A PROMISING golfer has received the perfect start to an exciting 2015 after landing an award for his achievements.

Oliver Millichap, aged ten, was given the Ron Lewis Award for sporting excellence at the annual Darlington Sports Winners Scheme awards after his incredible progress.

Millichap, who won the Junior Winter League titles at both Darlington golf clubs, is ranked in the top 20 junior golfers in the UK and Northern Ireland, plays off an adult handicap of 19 and already represents the county at Under-14 level.

As well as the winter league triumphs, the Polam Hall School pupil won multiple competitions at junior level to qualify for this year’s Junior European Championships. He has already been selected for England under-16 coaching trials and picked by the European Elite Coaches for the England futures squad.

Millichap hopes to continue his development and aims to emulate his golfing hero Seve Ballesteros.

He said: “I watch all the old footage of Seve when he played and I’d love to be golf pro when I’m older. I was really shocked to win the Ron Lewis Award as there were so many people here and so much sporting talent – but I’m really happy.”

GRAEME Storm will look to make his first cut of the year at the Maybank Malaysian Open which starts today.

The Hartlepool touring pro has missed the weekend at all three of his opening tournaments of the year and has been troubled with a shoulder problem. He has flown out to the Far East in the hope of getting things rolling. Yorkshireman Simon Dyson is also in action.

ONE of the North-East’s golf courses has teamed up with a top hotel to give golfers a slice of sporting action by inviting them to stay and play.

Historic Lumley Castle Hotel, County Durham, has joined forces with neighbouring Chester-le-Street Golf Club to create a mini-break combining an overnight stay with a round of golf on the 18 hole course.

The 600-year-old castle – now a four star hotel - is the backdrop for 12 of the course’s fairways, six of which also overlook the Riverside Cricket Ground, home of Durham County Cricket Club, with fells and hills beyond.

“We are delighted with this initiative,” said Colin Henderson, honorary secretary of the golf club. “Lumley Castle is a spectacular venue which graces the eastern aspect of the town and guests cannot fail to enjoy the experience of staying there.”

Golf, play and stay packages are available from Sunday to Thursday and start at £74.50 per person excluding breakfast.