A YOUNG man from Castle Eden has stunned members by equalling the course record two days in a row – the perfect way to sign off before heading to the States.

Ryan Dixon is due to travel out to Texas next Tuesday ahead of beginning a golf scholarship alongside a four-year degree course in mechanical engineering at St Mary’s University.

And the 18-year-old, who turns 19 the following day, showed why he has been able to clinch such a fantastic offer across the pond by displaying his quality on the course where he has honed his skills.

On successive days, Dixon hit sublime 63s over 18 holes to equal the record and he was actually left slightly disappointed by the fact he didn’t break it out right because he had opportunity to do so.

The scores were the perfect way for the Blackhall resident to say farewell and capped a memorable year which also saw him when the club championship in June.

He has played four times for the county and won the TSU Team Championship with Thomas Harbord and Jack Trewhitt by 16 shots.

But his latest heroics were achieved on home turf. Firstly, in Friday’s Captain’s Card competition, Dixon set off with an opening par followed by a bogey five at the second.

The former Wellfield School and Hartlepool FE student said: “I knew I was playing well and just needed to settle. On the next three holes I hit solid approach shots, each to within 12 feet of the flag and holed every one for three straight birdies.”

Two more birdies followed at seven and eight, as Dixon made the turn after hole nine in four under. More birdies arrived at ten, 12 and 16 and a par on the short 17th left him standing expectantly, on the tee of the final hole.

He said: “I always know my score when I’m playing, so I knew exactly where I was. Standing on the 18th, I knew all I needed was a birdie to break the course record. For the first time during the round I started to get nervous.”

His tee shot straight up the fairway, coming to rest in front of the green, required a short and delicate chip, to leave the chance of a putt for a 62. He said: “The chip went well, but the putt just slipped by and I was left with a tap in for par. I was pleased and disappointed at the same time.”

But Dixon wasn’t finished there. The very next day he somehow repeated his marvellous round of golf in the Medal qualifier when the course ran slower from overnight rain.

He made birdie at the first two holes by draining putts of 20 and 25 feet. Five straight pars followed, which left him a little frustrated.

Holes eight and nine saw two more birdies to match the previous day’s score of 30 for the front nine. He said: “The tenth hole is usually an easy par five for me. But I didn’t hit my best drive into the headwind and I left a long approach, overhit the pitch into the green leaving a long two putt for par.”

An unlikely bogey at the short par three pegged back the scoring temporarily, but then: “On the par five 14th, I was frustrated at missing some earlier opportunities but I knew I could reach with a big drive and long approach with a rescue club. I put the ball to 15 feet and holed out for an eagle three.”

With the round coming to a close, and with solid resolve, Dixon birdied 16 and 17.

Dixon said: “Standing on the 18th again in exactly the same position as I was the previous day, I had to go all out for the birdie again. After the drive, I chipped on to six feet. Then I think for once the pressure must have got to me. I missed the putt and walked off steaming.”

Nevertheless, Dixon had posted back-to-back record equalling 63s in two days.

He said: “Even though I was really disappointed, after I calmed down I was over the moon with the two days. I know I should have birdied the seventh, the tenth and the 18th on the second day, but I’m really pleased.”

When asked about his aspirations for the future he replied: “All I’m looking forward to over the next few years is getting a good degree, playing high level college golf and getting four years of life experience in another country.”

By KEVIN ERVIN AND PAUL FRASER