No matter how many years they play the game, most golfers will never achieve a hole-in-one, but a North Yorkshire youngster has marked one down on his scorecard - at the tender age of 11, writes CriagStoddart.

Nicky Gardener of Middleton St George has achieved the game's holy grail by performing the ultimate aim, the dream of any amateur golfer.

Playing at Dinsdale Spa Golf Club, Nicky impressed fellow members, a proud father and his friends with his remarkable put on the par three second hole.

Furthermore, it is believed Nicky has become the club's youngest to achieve a hole-in-one as there is no record of anyone younger completing the feat.

But proud father, David, says Nicky was far from overwhelmed by it.

He said: "Nicky didn't really think it was good achievement, he thought it wasn't a big deal.

"I said don't be daft and told him to go in the clubhouse and tell everybody about it.

"I've been golfing 30 years and I've never come close to a hole-in-one!"

But with pocket money at a premium, Nicky was spared the golfing ritual of buying a round of drinks in clubhouse after his feat - his dad bought him a coke instead.

On the 175-yard hole, initially Matthew thought the ball had veered into a bunker, before the realising it had rolled directly into the hole.

However, the youngster has a long way to go before matching club pro, Neil Metcalfe who coaches Nicky every Saturday. Neil has performed the feat an amazing six times, but still thinks Nicky's is remarkable.

"I should think he probably is the youngest ever to do that at this club," he said.

"Nicky is a very good golfer. I can't remember exactly how long he's been playing because but he's come a long way since he started."