TALENTED teenager Adam Bates is aiming to become one of the youngest golfers to be crowned Durham amateur county champion tomorrow - and he is in the form to do just that.

In last weekend's qualifier, at Seaham Harbour, Bates carded a 69 - the best score of the day by two shots - and his confidence could not be higher going into the main event, which starts today.

The 17-year-old will be going head-to-head with the best the region has to offer at Brancepeth Castle and would love nothing more than to claim the title Seaton Carew's Hughie Hamilton got his hands on 12 months ago.

At Eaglescliffe a year ago, Bates was playing in his first county championship and admits to feeling the pressure on the tee that weekend despite making the cut and playing in all four rounds.

The Blackwell Grange golfer believes he is now ready to make a concerted push for the championship and become the youngest since Wearside's Richard Walker 12 years ago to achieve the honour.

"It was my first time and I was nervous last year," said Bates, who lives in the Lakeside area of Darlington. "I finished about mid-table and, looking back, just to make the second day's play was an achievement.

"This time it's a bit different for me. I am going to Brancepeth thinking I can win. The hardest part is getting through and I did that comfortably last week at Seaham.

"I am used to playing in competitions and playing in the big matches. I'm looking forward to it and hopefully I can win."

Bates regularly attends Young England coaching sessions with Matfen Hall's professional John Harrison and, having done this for nearly a year, he feels his game has benefited a great deal. His achievements back this up.

As well as his heroics at Seaham last weekend, he has also become an integral part of the Durham county men's team, winning his singles match in the success over Cumbria earlier this month.

He also beat former European Tour golfer Michael Archer in the North-East versus North-West professionals contest at Whickham earlier in the season.

But his biggest success to date this term was to claim the Dennis Green Trophy last month, when he carded a 73 at Darlington in the Junior Section.

Bates, after chanelling all his desire in to this weekend's county championship, has his sights set on even bigger prizes.

He has recently been offered a scholarship for next year in America and that remains a likely route for one of the region's most promising golfers.

"I have received a letter asking me to go over there and play and I am looking to do that," said Bates. "I want to get through this season first, though, and take things from there."

Ideally Bates wants to get his handicap to plus-one, stake a claim for the Carris Trophy in July at Moor Park and then the British Boys' Championship at Hunstanton before planning for the future.

But, first and foremost, he has one immediate target and that is to perform at Brancepeth Castle over the next two days.

"I practised on the course on Friday and I feel in good shape," said Bates. "My caddie, Neil Rowley, and I are ready for it - I can't wait."

* Welshman Stephen Dodd continued what is already the best season of his golfing career by taking the half-way lead in the Nissan Irish Open at Carton House.

The 38-year-old from Cardiff, who after ten trips to the qualifying school tasted victory in the China Open last November, added a 69 to his opening 70 for a five under par total of 139.

Published: 21/05/2005