TAVISTOCK golfing ace James Ruth beat off stiff competition to secure the first major amateur men?s title of 2004 in Hertfordshire last week.

The 19-year old won the Berkhampstead Trophy by one shot after a successful 25-yard chip with the nine-iron caught him a birdie on the last hole.

James was three shots down after the morning session of the two-round tournament, but pulled out five birdies in the afternoon to claim an impressive victory over pace-setters James Ruebotham, Neil Chaudhuri and Matt

Cryer.

The win came as a perfect start to the season as James continues towards his dream of becoming a professional golfer.

He said: ?This was a fantastic trophy to win ? I had never played the course before so it was a real challenge, but I kept focusing on my game and eventually won with the final chip.?

James has been practising hard since last season ? he finished the year with a flourish by winning the Daily Telegraph Junior Championships in Sun City, South Africa ? primarily working with the England A team on changing his swing.

James said: ?I?ve always wanted to play golf full time and that is what I?m doing. There were two regional championships over the Bank Holiday weekend, then there is the West of England stroke play event in two weeks time, the British Amateur and the Lytham trophy ? the list goes on!

?It?s a packed summer and I?m really looking forward to it.?

The regional championship Easter Medals, held at Royal North Devon and Sawton over the weekend, saw James collect trophies on both courses ? as well as setting a course record of 66 on the first day.

He now has his sights set on a place in the Walker Cup squad next year and aims to become professional by the time he turns 22.