A STATESIDE golfer has continued to develop into one of the North-East's most promising sporting exports after getting life across the Atlantic off to a tee.

Callum Tarren, from Darlington, was named the men's golfer of the week by the Big South Conference last week after another impressive display on the United States.

Tarren hit seven-under-par across three rounds at the Battle at the Beach competition in South Carolina.

Despite leading after two rounds, he was unable to improve on his score on the final day, and dropped back to a third place finish.

"I've had a very steady start to the spring golf season," said Tarren. "I'm very happy with how I am playing and I'm confident I can improve on my individual results and get a win soon.

"Working hard, hitting the range, working on my game is just as important in college golf because you have so many golfers to play against. If you're not working hard you're getting by-passed by those who are.

"It is important to keep yourself motivated and dedicated for your game and yourself. My game feels solid at the moment which I am happy with. Now I'm looking forward to the next few events."

Tarren played at Dinsdale Spa and Rockliffe Hall before travelling to the USA, where he represents Radford University, Virginia, and is in his third year studying marketing and economics.

His career-best return over 54 holes provided his third top-ten finish of the season, and also assisted Radford to win the team event.

A talented footballer in his youth, the decision to focus on golf has proven fruitful for Tarren thanks to a series of triumphs both here and across the Atlantic.

He was crowned Durham County Champion on two occasions, the first time being in 2009 at Seaton Carew, while he was studying for his A-levels, and where he also won the Seaton Salver.

A delay in his move allowed him to defend the title at South Moor in 2010, where he was the only player to shoot under-par on course for a four shot victory.

Tarren also became the youngest golfer since Graeme Storm to be the Durham number one. He had a breakthrough year for Radford in 2011-12, and was recognised for his success in combining both golf and his academic commitments.

This season has seen him establish himself as a vital part of the Radford golf team.

He set a course record round of 64 at the Williamsburg Country Club on his way to a runners-up placing in the Joe Agee Invitational in September with a six-under finish.

Tarren has also turned in a series of consistent performances, culminating in his recent award-winning week. he finished tied 18th at the Old Dominion OBX Intercollegiate and tied sixth at the Davidson Intercollegiate before his Battle at the Beach success.