GOLF professionals have praised a nine-year-old golfer at Ellesmere College for his technique after an outstanding performance in a recent junior tournament.

Ethan Harrison, who joined the college in September and only took up golfing 18 months ago, and won his first tournament in November.

He also competed in the Easter Junior Holiday Club Series at Pryors Hayes Golf Club, in Chester, and won the approval of professional Roger Shutt who was spectating.

Despite competing against older competitors, Ethan’s secret to success is staying calm, and focusing on the course ahead of him.

He said: “I get nervous, but I think everyone does, it’s part of sport.

“I thought the chipping stage was difficult, but it felt great to win in front of the older boys.

“When I play golf, I try not to think about everyone else around me, I focus on my game.”

Roger, who runs Pryors Hayes Golf Club and coaches on the Leadbetter Kids Golf programme, for elite juniors, was impressed with Ethan’s golfing ability.

He said: “Ethan is a strong lad for his age, and he was outdriving his fellow players with long and consistently straight tee shots with his favourite club, the oversize driver.

“His driving was flawless, with seven out of nine holes perfect, absolutely incredible drive and accuracy of the ball.

“Who knows what Ethan’s destiny is in golf based on such rapid development from beginner to winner – a golf star in the making!”

The Easter event included competitions in putting and chipping as well as a nine-hole game.

It came after Ethan won the first golf competition he took part in in November and was picked for the European Junior Golf Tour Championship.

He will compete in three back-to-back events in the European Junior Golf Tour Championship in June at MacDonald Hill Valley, Haydock Park and Wrekin golf clubs.

The Year 4 student currently has weekly lessons on the nine-hole golf course at Ellesmere College and one-to one coaching from PGA Advanced Professional Rob Ashbrook, member of the college’s golf academy.