YOUNG golf sensation Paul Grannell is on the verge of becoming a national champion, writes Nick Smith.

The 13-year-old has only been playing for 18 months, but at Hazel Grove last week he shot a gross 78 in the Weetabix Cup to qualify from the regional heat.

His biggest test comes on August 17 and 18 at Patshull Park in Shropshire, when he will be facing the country's best in the Grand Final of the Under-14s national competition.

The Winsford teenager is hoping to follow in the footsteps of teen sensation Zane Scotland, who last week hit the headlines by being the youngest golfer, at 16, to play in the British Open.

"By the time he's 16 I expect him to be playing off scratch," said Paul's dad, Barry.

"He's only 13 and he's already shot a gross 78. He's playing off a 10 handicap but that will probably go down to eight after this competition."

Paul has already won the junior matchplay at Knights Grange, topped the Order of Merit last year and has already triumphed in an adult tournament since his switch to Vale Royal Abbey.

Barry, himself a keen golfer who plays off 19, feels his son has the big match temperament to match the talent.

"In the regional qualifier he was close with two other 13-year-olds and he held his nerve to win on the 18th, which shows a lot of character," he said.

"He was playing football for Over but all of a sudden he picked up a golf club and he's never looked back.

"He practices four hours a night, every night at Vale Royal. He's absolutely golf mad."

The Verdin High pupil's idol is US Open champion Payne Stewart, but has local heroes guiding his game, in the shape of young Vale Royal assistant pro Anthony Miller and Paul's golf teacher Graham Moore.

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