THE trophy cabinet of a teenage golf star may need to be extended after further tournament success.

For Ponteland golfer Zara Naughton, victory at the Faldo Series event has earned her a place at the Faldo Series Europe Grand Final 2020, in the United Arab Emirates, in November.

The 14-year-old celebrated success after winning the U16 category at the England NE Girls and Boys event held at Slaley Hall’s Hunting Course White.

Zara carded a seven under par score to finish second overall in the U21 mixed competition.

If that achievement wasn’t enough, she also equalled the course record for the Hunting Course Red Tees, shooting five under par in the second round.

Zara admitted she had never played at Slaley Hall before her practice round so the victory was an extra special achievement.

The teenager was at ease from the first tee on the first day and throughout the whole competition as she shot under par in all three rounds, carding two one under par scores and a five under par score to win the U16 competition by five shots.

The Faldo Series is recognised as the only global amateur series for boys and girls aged 12-21, and provides the opportunity of competing against the best juniors around the world.

Zara’s mother, Victoria, said: “Zara is super excited to be going to Abu Dhabi and would like to thank the series for organising the event, Slaley Hall for a fantastic venue and course, her coach JJ Vallely, Sport Tynedale and Tynedale Lions for the grants she was awarded last year.

“The grants have helped to cover entry fees and travel.”

Other local players who participated in the event included Joseph Robson, Junior Dobson and Angus Buchanan.

Zara continues to excel on the golf course and was named the young sportswoman of the year at the 2019 Sport Tynedale Awards.

Her great run of form has carried over into 2020 despite lockdown guidelines preventing her from getting on the course for a number of weeks.

A member jointly at Ponteland and Matfen Hall, Zara took part in the 2020 ProTour last month and played alongside Ryder Cup Winner Jamie Donaldson, who played in last week's British Masters at Close House.