A YOUNG golfer who has been playing since he was old enough to walk is heading to the most famous course in the world to see if he can pick up a national title.

Six-year-old Benjamin Miller, from Chester-le-Street, is playing in the grand finals of the Wee Wonders British Championships.

Benjamin, who was the youngest ever player to join Chester-le-Street Golf Club, will be competing in the under six age category in the competition, which sees young rising stars from all over the country compete for the title.

The young player, whose hero is former world number one Rory McIlroy, qualified by taking part in a competition at Matfen Hall in May before coming second in the Northern final in Leeds at the end of July.

Simon Miller, his dad, said: “He got a birdie on the last shot and if he hadn’t got that he wouldn’t have qualified for St Andrews.

“He’s been getting lots of practise and we went up there to look at the course to help him get over the wow factor of being at St Andrews.

“It’s a brilliant opportunity because it’s a breeding ground for the stars of the future.”

Benjamin, a pupil at Red Rose Primary School, in Chester-le-Street, took part in the qualifying round last year but after finishing fourth did not progress to the finals.

He plays most days and as well as being a member at Chester-le-Street, also plays at Mark Rayson’s junior golf academy at Beamish Hall Hotel.

Mr Miller, who has played golf all his life, added: “He’s been playing since as soon as he could walk and follow me to the driving range.

“He was the youngest ever member at Chester - they had to change the constitution to let him in but they have been really supportive.

“We’ve got practice facilities in the garden so he’s out there most days as well as playing at Chester and Beamish. He’s just loving it, especially the competitive side of it.

“He heard that one of the top golfers got up to practise at 5am every morning so he keeps asking us to wake him up at five but I keep saying he needs his sleep more.”

Inspired by Rory McIlroy, the father and son even spent time on a recent trip to Northern Ireland visiting the world number four’s first club to see his scores and records.

The Wee Wonder Open Golf Championships has been running since 1995 and caters for children aged between five and 12.

On August 26 and 27 children from nine regions across England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland will be heading to the grand final at Balgrove Course at St Andrews with the youngsters playing nine holes over three rounds.