CAMERON WALLACE is on the fairway to heaven after winning the annual Association of Colleges’ Golf Championship at world famous St Andrews.

The Hartlepool College of Further Education student did so in style after breaking the record for the lowest ever score in the history of the competition.

Former Dyke House College student Wallace, who is currently undertaking a BTEC Sport Diploma at Hartlepool College, competed against 40 other individuals from colleges across the country. He said: “I could have played even better, but at the end of the day I won.”

Due to age restrictions, 2018’s competition is the last time Wallace can compete at the national competition. He said: “This has been a very good end to my college golf era.”

Weather conditions on day one of the competition meant Cameron, a member of Seaton Carew and Castle Eden, had to play in strong winds, something the 18-year-old is familiar with, saying: “For all I’m used to playing in the wind, it did get tricky at times and I had to deal with changing wind directions.

“I didn’t hold back though. I was hitting it great off the tee, I only missed two fairways over the whole two days.”

Wallace ended the first day of the competition on the Kittocks course on 69, two under for the round which gave him a three-stroke lead. Day two on the Torrance course saw him break the competition record for lowest ever score of 70 which gave him a four under par record-breaking total of 139.

IT was not to be for Cameron Wallace or any of the other North-East golfers at the Brabazon Trophy last week – even if a talent from Darlington made history.

England international Andrew Wilson set a new course record at Frilford Heath by shooting a nine-under 63 in the third round at the Brabazon, which propelled him into contention.

In the end his 277 total was five shots shy of winner and compatriot Nick Poppleton, and Wilson had to settled for a tied sixth at the reputable trophy otherwise known as the English Amateur Stroke Play Championship.

Poppleton won in dramatic style when he chipped in on the second play-off hole in Oxfordshire. South Africa’s Wilco Nienaber - who had tied with Poppleton on 16-under - tried to equal him. But his shot to keep the championship alive hit the hole and lipped out.

Wallace was forced to retire after his first round 73 because of injury.

The other four North-East golfers on show at the Brabazon all missed the cut. Hexham’s Matty Lamb shot 72-73, Tyneside’s James Wilson went 72-75, Bishop Auckland’s James Glenn carded 71-76 and Heworth’s Will Marshall posted 76-74.

BRIAN Smart from Alnmouth, meanwhile, is one step closer to a round of a lifetime with a European Tour star after he won through a regional final of the Bridgestone Chase Your Dream Trophy, run in partnership with England Golf.

The Northumberland golfer kept alive his dream of a place in the pro-am of the British Masters supported by Sky Sports when he qualified at Bolton Old Links Golf Club.

Now he’ll head to England Golf Week in August at Frilford Heath for the national finals of the Chase Your Dream Trophy. The top players there will play in the pro-am of the Bridgestone Challenge and the winning team there will make a date for the British Masters.

Brian, 48, who scored a net 75 in qualifying on the Lancashire course, is looking forward to the next round. “I’m excited and I’m looking forward to another good round and to playing some enjoyable golf. This is a great tournament and I can’t wait to see where the journey takes me!”