Sharna shows she is a wee wonder

12:32pm Wednesday 27th August 2008

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RISING golf star Sharna Dutrieux conquered competition from across the British Isles at the HSBC wee wonder grand final to book a tee at the 2009 world championships, writes David Jordan.

The nine year-old from Eynesford enjoyed a memorable Bank Holiday weekend at St Andrews, competing alongside 105 other children at the home of golf.

And after seeing off more than 3,500 other competitors to qualify, the Downsview Primary Shcool pupil booked her dream ticket to the United States, shooting 40 and 38 to finish joint sixth in the nine to 10 category.

She said: "I remember playing with some plastic clubs and I thought to myself this is really good fun.

"Then my parents bought me some bigger clubs last Christmas and I've been playing with them ever since.

"I had a really good time at St Andrews. I was really excited and I wasn't nervous.

"There were lots of other kids here and it was really fun to play with lots of new friends.

"I can't wait to go to America. It will be a once in a lifetime experience and hopefully I can do well."

Dutrieux qualified along with 17 other children at the Hever Castle Golf Club regional qualifier to beat off a record number of entrants.

Wee wonders founder Alasdair Good, regarded as one of the world's best junior coaches, hailed the US-bound golfers and predicted Dutrieux could one day return to St Andrews as an Open champion.

He said: "To get to play St Andrews is every golfers dream.

"It is miles away from the clubs that so many youngsters have joined and the places they have played so it's a great experience.

"In the years to come, I'm sure we'll see Sharna lifting the Claret Jug and I'll be delighted they can say I got into golf playing the wee wonders."

HSBC is committed to growing golf at grassroots level.

In the UK, HSBC supports a number of initiatives, including the HSBC wee wonders tournament which is open to all young golfers aged between five and 12.

For more information visit, hsbcgolf.com