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Jack on the Rory McIlroy route into golf

A young golf star is aiming to emulate his hero Rory McIlroy after qualifying for a major international tournament.

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Jack Tomlinson, from Codsall, is set to travel to Miami to contest the US Kids Golf World Championships in December.

The competition will take place at the Doral Golf Resort and Spa in Miami, Florida, where McIlroy – now the professional world No.1 – won the nine-10 age category many years ago, to kick-start a glittering career.

Tomlinson, who is just seven, made the grade for the prestigious competition in the seven-eight category after taking part in his first international tournament in Longniddry, Scotland, earlier this year.

The US Kids Golf European Championships was a daunting occasion on which to make an international debut.

But Tomlinson, who plays out of Telford's Horsehay Village Golf Club, showed no fear despite facing competitors from 35 nations.

His delighted mother Charlotte said: "Jack needed to finish in the top 30 to earn him priority status to play on all their tour events for the next 12 months and he achieved that in Scotland.

"It was a great experience for Jack. He played with children from the USA, Australia and Sweden over three days which he really enjoyed."

Tomlinson's success has allowed him the pick of several US Kids Golf Tournaments taking place in the coming year.

He could have gone to Pinehurst, which hosts another World Championship event prior to Miami.

But Charlotte said: "Rory McIlroy won in Miami when he was a kid and that is why we are going for that one.

"Because of work commitments, we can't just jump on a plane whenever we want, but Rory is one of Jack's heroes so that is the one we are aiming for."

The timing of the trip will also allow Tomlinson to take part in the prestigious Doral-Publix Junior Golf Classic, which is being held in Miami the same month.

Hundreds of junior golfers from around the world, representing more than 45 countries, participate every year.

Charlotte added that the chance to compete in both events had also played a part in their decision to make Miami their destination.

Qualifying for the World Championships is the pinnacle of young Tomlinson's burgeoning career so far.

But he has already been making waves within the county in recent years since his early introduction to the sport at the age of four.

He is now a member of coach Matt Lea's advanced academy at Horsehay Village and he has been selected for the Shropshire County Development squad by England Golf.

Charlotte said: "At just seven years old we could not be prouder of his achievements. Jack was introduced to golf by his granddad at the age of four.

"It soon became apparent that he had a natural ability and progressed very quickly through the Tri-golf/passport sessions he attended.

"However, it was not just his ability but his love of golf that became noticeable, with him wanting to go to the range or course to practice at any opportunity.

"For a young child, he is very passionate about golf, so we took him to the Ryder Cup last September so that he could see the players he admired.

"He loved meeting the players and has pictures along with his signed cap all over his bedroom wall. "

Tomlinson will not be resting on his laurels in the build-up to the World Championships either, as he has a busy schedule prior to his visit to America.

He has also accepted an invitation to the British Championship at Woodall Spa, which takes place on August 13-14, and is aiming for glory on the Shropshire-based Peewee Tour which started earlier this month.

Charlotte said: "Jack loves playing competitively. Since January he has won seven medals at other local and national events and he wants to get more."

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