A YOUNG golfer from Totton has become the first winner of the Georgia Hall junior open series.

Liam Thorne, 14, has enjoyed great success across the series, picking up prizes at three of the five events. 

He recently won the Manor Masters at Bramshaw golf club, which was the final event of the series, to take the title and finish at the top of the Georgia Hall junior series order of merit.

The series is made up of five events hosted at Paulton's golf centre and the forest course, as well as the Manor course at the Bramshaw golf club.

Thorne, who also won the Manor Masters two years ago, has been able to get his handicap down after all the success he has achieved on the tour.

He said: “At the start of the year I decided to start taking my golf more seriously.

"I set myself three goals. To win the order of merit, the manor masters and get my handicap down to the low 20s.  I am very proud to have done all of these.”

The Paulton's golf centre is home to the new Georgia Hall academy and has already introduced the sport to hundreds from across the county with it's 10 week beginner sessions.

Molly Pavey, who is the Bramshaw golf club general manager, is hoping that the academy and open series will get more young golfers invested in the sport.

She commented: “We want to create more opportunities for youngsters to play golf in the region.

"This is a vision that Georgia shares with us, which is why we have opened an Academy and Open Series in her name. 

"The Open Series is important as it provides a competitive experience for young golfers of all ages and abilities, and we look forward to seeing Liam defend his title next season.”