Golf kid is Shropshire's answer to Rory
There could soon be another Rory achieving golfing greatness.
Young Rory McDonald-O'Brien, 11, of Muxton, Telford, has just returned from representing Europe in the Van Horne Cup.
He first put in an impressive performance in the European Golf Championship on the famous greens of Craigielaw in Scotland.
Rory then qualified to enter the 'Ryder-Cup-style' event for the game's up-and-coming stars.
He found fantastic consistency to shoot rounds of 76, 77 and 78 across the three-day tournament which was held at the Luffness New Golf Club.
He qualified as highest-placed European, finishing fifth, and earning himself a trophy at the event for the first time.
Rory then partnered the next-highest placed European, young French player Arthur Genest, in the Van Horne Cup and they shot a brilliant four-under – losing out by one shot at the 18th hole.
And according to Rory's proud mum, Alison, her talented son is loving every second of his success.
She said: "It was such a fantastic event, the whole set-up for the Van Horne Cup was absolutely brilliant – they made the kids feel like it was the real Ryder Cup.
"They played bagpipes for them as they walked to the first tee, encouraged us all the way around to shout and walk with them.
"It had a really great feel to it, especially for the youngsters. We're so very proud."
Because of his successes, Rory is unable to compete regularly at club level, despite being a member of The Shropshire. He is trained by ex-pro Darren Prosser at Kingswinford Golf Centre.
Rory plays with a handicap of eight. His idol is world No 1 Rory McIlroy, is competing across the pond at Pinehurst, North Carolina, in August in the World Junior Championships.
And golfing talent runs in the family with Rory's younger sister, Isla, 8, also due to compete in the Under-8 World Championships at the same venue.
