A TALENTED North-East schoolboy has qualified to fly to America to compete against the world’s top young golfers.

Tom Hartshorne, nine, of Eaglescliffe, will play in the US Kids World Championships at Pinehurst, North Carolina, on August 1.

Tom, who goes to Durham Lane Primary School in Eaglescliffe, qualified by finishing in the top five in the US Kids European Championships at Musselburgh in Scotland.

He was competing against 67 young golfers from more than 30 countries, finishing fifth over the three rounds and shooting the second lowest score for a single round – a three under par gross 69.

Tom, who is a member of Dinsdale Golf Club and Rockliffe Hall, will travel to America with his dad, Ally.

Ally said: “This is definitely his biggest achievement and it will be a fantastic experience for him. We’re all so proud.”

Tom has just got a new baby sister, 17-weeks-old Charlotte Rose, and he has already been adjusting her grip on her bottle in preparation for her taking up golf in the future!

Rockliffe Hall, meanwhile, will celebrate ten years since the first golf ball was struck on the resort’s championship golf course so by holding a day to remember, hosted by Ronan Rafferty.

The golf course was the first part of the resort to open in July 2009 – the hotel’s chairman, Warwick Brindle, was the first person to hit a ball on the course on May 1.

On Sunday, June 30, the special golf day will start with a full English breakfast in the clubhouse. Guests will join seven time European Tour winner, 1989 European Tour Order of Merit winner and member of the winning Ryder Cup Team in the same year, Rafferty, for a 45-minute golf clinic.

This will be followed by a round of golf with on-course beat the pro (Ronan), longest drive and nearest the pin competitions. There’ll be a BBQ dinner and a Q&A session with Ronan.

Price is £450 per team of four and to book call 01325 729999 or email enquiries@rockliffehall.com