GOLF: CANVEY rookie Charlie Clare continued his progress towards making it as a pro with a top 10 finish at a respected competition in St Neots, writes James Colasanti.

The 21-year-old shot a nice 73 to finish well up the leader board on the Thomson Tour, which has former members including Ryder Cup hero Ian Poulter, and Essex European Tour regulars Daniel Brooks and Simon Khan.

It was another watershed moment for Boyce Hill club member Clare, who set his sights on reaching to the top of the game after turning professional last year.

His coach Ian Dudman said: “He’s progressing well and, as well as doing well in St Neots, he has also had a top five finish at the Nazeing Winter Pro-Am Series recently.

“His performances have steadily improved over the last year, which is a key factor. Now he just needs to keep working hard because he has good potential.

“What we need to do now is give him a full year of competition, but to do that we’ll need to find some sponsorship. So hopefully someone will see we have a local lad working hard, and will help him out.”

Former Cornelius Vermuryden School pupil Clare teed off in his first professional tournament in March 2012, and since then he has had the chance to meet some of the game’s greats.

Dudman said: “Charlie got the chance to meet Gary Player at the Celebrity Cup at Celtic Manor, and Gary was impressed with Charlie’s swing.

“And he got to caddy for Steve Cipa on the European Senior Tour, and Steve played his final round with Sam Torrance. “So it’s nice that Charlie is getting the chance to talk to some of the game’s great players, and hopefully it will keep his hunger going to make it to the top himself.”

Clare is next in action at the Woburn Pro-Am on December 17.

l If any companies want to sponsor Charlie Clare, please e-mail ian@galfband.co.uk or call Ian Dudman on 07968 695573.