Express & Star

Golf ace Ben Bolton tracking Tiger

A talented young golfer is set to follow in the footsteps of Tiger Woods by competing in a prestigious tournament taking place in California.

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Ben Bolton, from Wombourne, will be part of the British Junior Golf Team that competes at the Junior World Championships in San Diego in July next year.

The talented 12-year-old, who has a handicap of just four, earned his place in the squad after winning a qualifying event held at South Herts Golf Club.

The Crestwood School pupil won the tournament in dramatic fashion when he and James Stocks finished tied at the top of the leaderboard on two over.

But on the second play-off hole, and with his rival already on the green in two, Ben found the hole with a 43-yard approach shot.

And Ben’s dad, Steve, said the victory capped what has been an outstanding year for his son.

Ben Bolton 11 from Wombourne, of Enville Golf Club in Stourbridge, will be competing in the Jakarta Junior World Golf Championships this coming weekend

“Ben started the year with a handicap of 8.9 and is now down to 3.9 which shows his determination to improve,” he said.

“Back in July, he finished third at his first ever international event – the Junior World Championships in Indonesia.

“And now he has qualified for the tournament in California which Tiger Woods competed in as a youngster and will see him take on youngsters from all over the world.

“He won the qualifier in incredibly dramatic fashion.

“Both he and James Stocks topped the leaderboard and then parred the first play-off hole.

“Ben then had a massive drive and a 43-yard pitch that went straight in the hole, it didn’t even in touch sides for an eagle two.

“It got a huge round of applause – people couldn’t believe he won it that way.

Ben Bolton 11 from Wombourne, of Enville Golf Club in Stourbridge, will be competing in the Jakarta Junior World Golf Championships this coming weekend

“And now he gets to play in California in a really big competition.

“He is chuffed that he is going to get to play in it. But he deserves it. I don’t know any other kid that is doing what he is doing.

“He is doing extremely well and is very, very dedicated.”

The youngster, whose ambition is to make it as a professional, is a member of Enville Golf Club and won their Junior Open earlier this year.

And with the youngster now playing around the world, his dad is on the lookout for sponsors to help his son his achieve his dreams.

“It’s all getting very serious and very expensive,” Steve said.

“We are doing okay but sponsorship would be great.

Ben Bolton 11 from Wombourne, of Enville Golf Club in Stourbridge, will be competing in the Jakarta Junior World Golf Championships this coming weekend

“He has again been selected to play in Indonesia, in the Junior World Championships in May and is determined to improve on his third place from this year’s championships.

“But he gets lots of fantastic support. His school is supporting Ben with his Golfing career – they have been fantastic.

“And Richard Copsey, his coach, is brilliant at keeping his swing in check.”

Anyone interested in sponsoring Ben can email his dad Steve at steven.bolton972@btinternet.com