A NORTH-EAST golfer has been handed a dream trip to the United States to represent his country next month.

Hexham’s Matty Lamb will join Nottinghamshire’s Dan O’Loughlin for England Golf in the Thunderbird International at Grayhawk, Arizona, from May 22-25.

Lamb, 16, is a member of the England Golf boys’ squad and has represented England since 2012 and was a member of the winning national team at the 2014 Boys’ Home Internationals.

O’Loughlin, 16, from Ruddington Grange in Nottinghamshire, helped England’s Under-16s boys to wins over Wales and Scotland in last year’s series of internationals.

They will be aiming to follow in the footsteps of Max Orrin from North Foreland in Kent who made history in 2012 when he became the first English player to win this 54-hole junior event with a five-stroke winning margin.

A NORTHUMBERLAND golf club is putting families first with a new initiative on its par three course.

The EasyGolf course, at Matfen Hall, has been specifically designed to appeal to beginners and younger players with nine, extra large holes, making the game easier and quicker for the whole family.

And, to coincide with the final of the US Masters, Matfen Hall Golf Club is holding a free golf open day for players of all ages to come and try the new Easy Golf course for themselves.

From 9am on Sunday, April 12, families will be able to enjoy a free round of golf along with a ten per cent discount on food and drinks at The Keepers Lodge clubhouse.

“The new course is ideal, not just for beginners, but for those who are time poor and want a shorter, quicker round than that offered by our 27-hole course,” said golf club manager Peter Smith.

“And, because the holes are twice the normal size, players of all ages can enjoy a game – making it a great family day out.”

Families attending the free open day can either bring their own clubs or borrow some from the golf club, free of charge, if they reserve them in advance by calling 01661 886 400.

A round of golf on the new Easy Golf course will normally cost £7.50 for adults and £4 for players aged 16 and under and can be enjoyed on a pay as you play – rather than a membership - basis.