A PROMISING teenage golfer's dream of turning professional is in tatters after thieves stole gear worth £1,500.

Daniel Moores, 17, started playing three years ago and now has a handicap of five on a par 70 course.

He was planning to get expert tuition from Myerscough Golf Academy in Preston, Lancashire, and is to start in September.

But he was devastated to learn his locker at Hobson Golf Club, near Burnopfield, was broken into and his 13 clubs, umbrella and bag had been taken.

The burglary happened on the evening of Wednesday, June 6.

Daniel, of Garefield Gardens, Burnopfield, said: "I am gutted.I feel as though I have just had my feet pulled from under me.

"If I don't have any clubs, then I cannot go to college. It is awful."

Terry Maguire, the manager at the club, is trying to help Daniel get new gear so he can still go to college to turn professional.

He intends to contact sports goods companies Nike and Ben Hogan to ask them to donate some replacement clubs and a bag.

If that is unsuccessful, he will organise charity events to raise money to replace the clubs.

Mr Maguire said: "It is a real shame, because he does not come from a wealthy family and his clubs have been bought as birthday and Christmas presents.

"He is very talented and is always practising, so he is getting very good.

"He is a lovely lad and I feel sorry for him, so I am going to do everything I can to get him a new set of clubs."

In addition to the break-in, the club was targeted by vandals last week.

Mr Maguire said £2,600-worth of damage was caused to the irrigation systems on the sixth green. It is the second time it has happened - vandals did the same thing in November.

Mr Maguire said: "It seems as though someone has got a vendetta against the club.

"It is mindless vandalism. I cannot understand it."

Police are investigating both incidents and ask anyone with information ito call 0845-60-60-365.