YOUNG golfer Mark Worden has joined the race for a place in the final of the 1997 Daily Telegraph/Center Parcs Junior Golf Championship.

The 17-year-old Preston golfer shot a 76 to win his qualifying round at Bolton Old Links GC and must now wait until late this month to discover whether he has earned a place in the final at The Cloister & Sea Island GC, Georgia, USA, in September.

Each qualifying competition winner joins a national leaderboard with the best gross scores qualifying for the televised 36-hole strokeplay final.

This year juniors will have a greater chance of qualifying with the sponsors given the chance to invite players both the boys' and the girls' competitions.

The invitees will be chosen by a championship committee headed by Curtis Cup coach and former Solheim Cup captain, Mickey Walker.

With more than 23,000 competitors in 1996, the championship has become one of the most important driving forces in British golf and is now the most prestigious junior title in the UK.

The championship continues to be supported by Wilson Sporting Goods who supply equipment and prizes, and Delta Airlines who fly the finalists to Georgia.

For further information about local club competitions call The Daily Telegraph/Center Parcs Junior Championship hotline on 01705 753666.

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