Lucky St Neots student swings a place on golfing course

A STUDENT from St Neots has swung himself a place on a university course that will have golfers green with envy. Michael Round has gained one of five scholarships to study for a degree that includes playing golf at a prestigious club that will host the 20

A STUDENT from St Neots has swung himself a place on a university course that will have golfers green with envy.

Michael Round has gained one of five scholarships to study for a degree that includes playing golf at a prestigious club that will host the 2010 Ryder Cup.

The 22-year-old, of St Anselm Place, said he was delighted to have been awarded a place at the elite School of Golf, which is offering the first golfing course of this kind.

The golf school has been set up by the University of Wales in Newport in partnership with the Celtic Manor Resort.

Michael, who plays off plus one, was chosen from hundreds of skilled golfers eager to develop their golf to an international standard whilst studying for a degree.

"My dad was a pro-golfer and I took up the game when I was 11," said Michael, whose degree will major in sports coaching.

"I previously worked on a driving range and tried playing on the amateur circuit but it can be quite expensive. I thought my best bet would be to study fro a degree and get a scholarship like this one. It's great because not only do you get a degree but you also have the opportunity to really improve your golf."

The former St Neots Community College pupil added: "It's amazing, really - we're treated like a tour pro golfer, and the facilities we get to use at the Celtic Manor Resort, which will be home to the Ryder Cup in 2010, are fantastic."

Michael will have access to Celtic Manor's world class facilities, including its championship golf courses and golf academy, and advice from expert coach Stuart Morgan.

INFORMATION: To find out more, visit www.newport.ac.uk or phone 01633 432432.