A nine-year-old golfer golfer hit a hole in one and qualified for the World Championships.

Ben Schmidt came ninth in the European finals in the US Kids Golf competition which was played at Gullane, Scotland, last week.

The big hitter was joint first on day one of the three day tournament and struck his 165-yard shot perfectly on the 15th hole for the hole in one.

"The first day was fantastic. He was joint leader and hit the hole in one so obviously he was pleased with himself," said mum Claire, of Chilcombe Place, Birdwell.

"He dropped a bit on the second day and had a a bad hole on the third day. We just thought so long as he doesn't come last as there were 40-odd boys in his age group. He did really well, there were people competing from all over the world which was a good experience for him. He's really looking forward to next year."

It means the Tankersley St Peter's primary pupil has qualified for the world finals in North Carolina next year.

Ben, who is a member of Wath Golf Club, plays off a handicap of 18 and is coached by Nick Huby at the Peter Cowan Academy, Rotherham.

He started playing when he five and would frequently beat his dad Phil and granddad Phil Henson. Brother Luke, six, took up the sport last year and is practising so he can take on Ben.

He is looking for sponsorship for the competition in America. Anyone interested should call 350192.