BENFLEET golfer Daniel Kean, 10, who is a member at both Rochford Hundred and Langdon Hills, has secured a place at this year's Callaway Junior World Golf Championships to be held in San Diego, in the United States of America, between July 14 and 16.

The prestigious competition which features the best junior golfers from across the world aged from six through to 17, will take place over 3 days on some of San Diego’s finest courses including Torrey Pines, venue of last year’s US Open.

Daniel, who attends Hadleigh Junior School and also plays football for Deaneswood Youth, has just seen his official club handicap cut to an impressive 20.

This nfollows him shooting several scores in the low 90s and a personal best of 88 (16 over) at Langdon Hills, which he managed to do five days before his 10th birthday.

He has recently been selected for Essex county coaching by the Essex Golf Union and last month also participated in the U.S. Kids European Junior Championships held in Gullane, Scotland.

The Callaway Junior World Golf Championship, which is seen as the premier junior golf tournament in the world, can stake claim to having previous participants including the sport’s number one star Tiger Woods, five times a winner between the ages of nine and 17), Other star names who enjoyed their first taste of success in the event include Phil Mickleson, Ernie Els, Anthony Kim and Rory Mcilroy and has been running since 1968.

His father Jamie said: “Going up to Scotland last month was a bit nerve wracking to be honest as we were unsure how he would compare with all the other boys from across Europe. But he took it one shot at a time, just played his game, and more than held his own with every boy he played with.

“Going out to San Diego in July will be a great experience though and as long as he enjoys it, then that’s all we’re worried about.

“But if he doesn’t then at least we’ve still got Universal Studios and Sea World to look forward to!”

Daniel said: “I’m not expecting to win as it’s a really tough field, but I’m playing quite well at the moment so I’ll give it my best and see what happens.

“I’m so excited though, as it will be great to go out there and play against all these other boys from all over the world and see how I do. My dad said he’s got me two paper rounds to help pay for the flights and I’ve also got to wash his car twice a week and bring him breakfast in bed every day until we go!!

“In January, my target for the end of the year was to break 90, which I did last month, so my new target is to just beat my dad. Now that would be better than winning in America.”