TEENAGE sensation Steven McGlynn jets off to America later this summer as ELGA's new Harold Ryden Trophy champion.

The 18-year-old Blackburn golfer was all smiles last night after completing a 2&1 win over Clitheroe's Mark Ashworth in the Trophy final at Pleasington.

Cheered on by his parents, grandmother and a string of golf club friends, Rishton-based McGlynn completed victory on the 17th hole.

He ranks this as one of his best ever tournament wins, and now can't wait to take his game to the United States, where he is set to begin a scholarship at the highly-regarded Indian Hills Community College in Iowa.

"This is one my best ever wins," said McGlynn "I won the Lancashire U15 and ELGA Junior titles in 2003, so I'm glad just to get something major on the board.

"I'm going over to America in August, so I've got something to take with me.

"The college have always been ringing me up, just to see how well I'm getting on. They'll be pleased I've won this!

He added: "My mum and dad, grandma, and loads of my golf club mates have come along for this - which is good."

McGlynn, a regular performer for Lancashire and England Boys, came through a field of East Lancashire's top 60 amateur golfers to win the prestigious Trophy.

The former St Augustine's RC High School student added: "I've played well all week. My putting was pretty good on Monday and Tuesday, although I didn't put quite as well in the final.

"But tee to green, I've struck it really good and I've holed my putts at the right time."

Ashworth made a perfect start to the final, stamping his authority by birdieing the opening two holes. But McGlynn hit back to lead by one shot at the 10th.

McGlynn advanced his lead to two on the 15th, but a fantastic 20-foot putt from Ashworth on the 16th reduced the arrears.

Despite the late surge, Ashworth could only par the 17th after McGlynn had sunk a birdie - giving the teenager victory.

"I'm very disappointed," said Ashworth.

"I didn't play great and you have to against Steven because he's a really good player. The first two holes calmed me down a little bit.

"But I've struggled all week and you think that will catch up with you eventually. And it did - I was poor. I don't feel particularly good, but at least I came second.

"Steven's a good player. I know he's going to America.

"I know him very, very well. He's a really good player - he's just got to keep going.

"His best days are ahead of him."