A family recycling firm has sponsored a North-East teenage golf prodigy to help him represent his country.
Stockton recycling specialists, Scott Bros, are supporting 14-year-old Thomas Hartshorne as he prepares to jet off next month to represent England in an under-16 championship in Italy.
Peter Scott, a director at Scott Bros and Captain of Teesside Golf Club, noticed Thomas’s talent while playing for the same team.
Impressed by the young golfer's skill and dedication, Scott Bros decided to support his journey through sponsorship – making a vital contribution towards travel costs and accommodation during competitions.
Thomas, from Eaglescliffe, was just 18-months-old when he first hit a golf ball. At eight-years-old he won his first 36-hole men’s competition at Rockcliffe Hall and he qualified for the 2019 US Kids World Championships in Pinehurst, South Carolina - where he finished 21st out of 168 competitors.
His recent accomplishments include securing fourth place in the prestigious Carris Trophy, the English Boys' Open Amateur Stroke Play Championship, and winning the tournament's Hazards Salver for the top under-16 player – previous winners include golfing professionals Justin Rose and Tommy Fleetwood.
Most recently, Thomas won Teesside Golf Club’s Junior Championship and came second in the men’s club championship. On top of that, he helped the union team win the Teesside League for the first time in 32 years.
In September, Thomas will receive his first international call up when he plays at the prestigious Golf Club Biella "Le Betulle", in Italy, in the 16th edition of the Reply Italian International under-16 championship.
Scott Bros has a proud history of supporting grassroots sport and community engagement, including recently hosting its first charity golf day in aid of Butterwick Hospice, and partnering with Impetus Environmental Trust to regenerate Stafford Place Cricket Club in Thornaby. The next golf day is on August 30 in aid of the South Cleveland Heart Fund.
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Mr Scott said: "We are thrilled to support Thomas in his golfing career. His dedication and talent are truly inspiring, and we believe he has a bright future ahead in the world of golf.
“We have a long tradition of supporting our region and its sporting talent, not just because it promotes physical and mental well-being, but we believe it’s important for businesses to support their communities wherever possible.”
Thomas said: “I am incredibly thankful to Scott Bros for their support. This sponsorship will help me pursue my dreams and achieve my goals in golf. I am excited for what the future holds and will work hard to make everyone proud."
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