CAMERON WALLACE has geared up for a national competition by narrowly missing out on glory at the home of golf – and he hopes to go one better when he represents the region on the North-East stage.

The Hartlepool teenager will play for the area in the AoC Sport National Championships at Close House next month and he almost went there as the winner of the association’s main title.

Wallace continued Hartlepool College of Further Education Golf Academy’s recent success by finishing third in the individual event at the AOC Sport National Golf Open.

The 16-year-old was unfortunate not to take the title as he was tied first with two other competitors and they could only be separated by countback after 36 holes of competition.

Wallace said: “It was a shame to come so close and miss out on the win in that fashion but I am very proud of the golf I played, especially on day one.”

He added: “I played well. I hit the ball great off the tee and within 150 yards I never missed the flag.

“My putting was great too. I had 24 and 27 putts over the two days and I’m hoping it leads to me getting a strong finish at the AoC Nationals - maybe even win it.”

Wallace qualified for this event after winning the regional championships by shooting an incredible eight under par at Teesside Golf Club in October.

The AoC Sport National Golf Open is an annual event which takes place on the stunning Torrance and Kittocks Courses at the Fairmont Hotel in St Andrews.

Wallace followed up former Hartlepool FE College student Matthew Davison’s second placed finish last year. The Academy’s team of Wallace, Matthew Booth, Lewis Wilson and Harry Linighan were the only team from the region in this year’s competition.

His coach, Cliff Jackson, the professional at Seaton Carew, said: “Cameron has done us all proud over the past two days. In an incredibly talented field Cameron has stood out and really helped to put Hartlepool FE College Golf Academy on the map.”

Wallace, who intends to play in the English Boys Open this summer, has seen his handicap drop down to 0.2 over the last 12 months and he is set to return to action with the Teesside Union over the next few weeks. He also has a number of junior matches lined up.

He played some stunning golf in Scotland and was three under through the first nine; he even had a couple of difficult birdie chances which would have put him an incredible five under.

Birdies were harder to come by through the back nine and he had dropped one before heading down the 18th. A great approach and solid eight foot putt on the last allowed him to card a 69.

Heavy overnight rain made the conditions more difficult on day two on the Kittocks, but he dug into post a three over total, leaving him level for the tournament.

Wallace’s hopes of success were dashed when it became clear there was no play-off hole. The result was decided on countback over the last nine, even though the golfers played different courses, leaving Wallace in third.