Youngsters who have the world off to a tee

When shamed golfer Tiger Woods returned to the circuit for the Masters there was one young fan who was ecstatic to see his hero back on the green.

Five-year-old Alex Dommett-Pelaez from Oldbury dreams of following in Tiger's footsteps to become a professional golf player.

The pupil at Oakham Primary School has been playing golf since he was two and recently took part in two of the world's most influential golf competitions. The British Junior Golf tour and the Callaway Junior World Golf Championships are being hosted at a number of sites including the Three Hammers Golf Complex in Coven.

Former players in the Callaway tournament include names such as Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson and Ernie Els, with the finals being held in San Diego in July.

The finals of the British Junior event in August will be televised on satellite TV.

It might be junior golf but everything else smacks of the professional game. The youngsters are kitted out in the kind of clothes their counterparts playing the adult majors wear. Alex said he loves being out on the golf course.

He added: "I want to be like Tiger Woods because he does big shots and is good at putting and chipping." Andy Dommett said: "Alex got into golf one weekend when we were watching the Masters."

Another young player hoping for a hole-in-one at the tournament was Spencer Worley, who is a pupil at Lower Farm School in Bloxwich.

"I started playing when I was two because I saw my brother Harrison on the golf course," said the six-year-old.

Spencer's father Vince, 38, said the youngster has already taken part in lots of golf matches.

"Spencer and Harrison really love their golf," he said.

Eight-year-old Dawson Bailey from Stone was taking part in the competition with his six-year-old brother Eden. "It is exciting taking part in competitions," he said.

Andrew Proudman is a PGA professional and has been playing at the Three Hammers for 14 years.

He said: "It is a big deal for the children who are competing."