RISING Newcastle star James Wilson paid the price for a poor final round after narrowly missing out on a top-three place at the 2016 Telegraph BMW Junior Golf Championship at Quinta do Lago in Portugal.

Wilson went into the final day of the prestigious tournament in second place and just two strokes adrift of leader Harry Goddard after opening rounds of 69 and 73.

But the 16-year-old, who is a member at Tyneside and Close House, struggled to maintain his momentum in his final 18 holes, closing with a six-over-par 78 to finish two shots outside the top three and 12 strokes behind runaway winner Goddard.

He said: “The course conditions were certainly different to what we get back home. I think that I could have won but, by the last round, tiredness kicked in possibly. I wasn't used to the small fields and the television cameras but it certainly does prepare you for what lies ahead.

Wilson was one of 12 boys and nine girls to take part in the competition, which was hosted by Quinta do Lago for the fourth year in a row, with the action taking place on the resort’s North Course – one of three championship courses at the resort.

GOLFERS can avail themselves of free golf for the remainder of the year if they're quick to snap up a new five-day 2017 QFairway membership at QHotels' Slaley Hall.

The points-based, Monday-to-Friday membership costs from £295. But the bonus for golfers is that no points will be deducted from their membership until January 1, 2017 - meaning any golf played for the remainder of 2016 will cost them nothing.

QHotels' group director of golf, John Angus, said: "This new five-day QFairway flexible membership is an ideal way of getting into golf, or making the most of limited time. And with free golf for the remainder of 2016 it's a perfect early Christmas present - the sooner you buy it, the better deal you get."

To discover more about QHotels' QFairway membership call 0845 2411 320 or visit www.qhotels.co.uk

THE HOME of next Year’s British Masters is offering cheaper golf this winter for anyone wanting to try out the championship course.

Close House is offering a limited group green fee rate of £201.70 for a fourball weeks after it was announced it will host the big event in the North-East next September. They will be available between Monday and Thursday after 10.30am.

“The British Masters is the biggest golf tournament to have ever come to the North-East, and we’re excited to welcome the brightest tour stars to our fairways,” said Graham Wylie, owner of Close House.

“We want to celebrate this special date, and in what better way than to invite golfers to experience our championship venue for themselves.”