A YOUNG golf star from the district has won a national championship at the sport’s most famous venue.

Zara Naughton (12), of Matfen, won the British Wee Wonders Golf Championship at St Andrews in Scotland, in the 11-12 age group category.

The 3.9 handicapper was up against some of golf’s brightest young talents in the 36-hole competition at St Andrews, a venue widely renowned as the home of golf.

An opening round of 73 placed Zara at five over par, and in third place overall. The Ponteland Middle School pupil followed it up with a remarkable three under gross 65 to win in style.

The 65 was a new course record on the Strathtyrum Course at St Andrews, a par 68 for lady golfers.

Zara qualified for the final of the tournament after winning the regional qualifier at Matfen Hall, and the North of England qualifier at Leeds Golf Club in Yorkshire.

The youngster is coached by J.J. Vallely at Matfen Hall, and is a member of the North of England Futures’ squad.

Her recent form has also included a level par round at Newcastle United Golf Club, in a Northumberland county juniors’ event. She finished with best gross score, and narrowly missed out to her younger sister Charlotte Naughton for the nett prize. The latter carding a nett 67.

Zara was one of five young members of Matfen Hall’ Golf Club’s junior academy who qualified for and competed in the final of the Wee Wonders event.

Rachel Batey (10), Autumn Buchanan (seven), Harry Hedley (eight), and Zara’s sister Charlotte (10) were all at St Andrews, after progressing through the regional qualifying stage.

JJ Vallely said: “We were absolutely thrilled to have five players from Matfen make it to the final. It’s pretty unheard of to have so many from one club and it is testament to the dedication of the players and the amazing support of their parents that they all made it.

“Winning this tournament was one of Zara’s goals and it’s nothing more than she deserves for all her hard work and dedication.”