Teesside-based Tom Hartshorne has risen to the top of the European U16 rankings – and has set his sights on more success.
“It feels good to know that I am the best at the level I am at,” said 15-year-old plus-four-handicapper Tom. “It is nice to be recognised as the best under-16 golfer in Europe, and I want to be the best in the world at under-18 level, and hopefully play on tour.”
Tom has had incredible success since finding one of his dad Ally’s clubs at an early age – winning on the regional and national stage regularly ever since.
“It all started when I was 18 months old and found a nine-iron in the front room. I started swinging, most likely smashing anything in my way!”
By the age of four, Tom had joined Rockliffe Hall as the club’s first academy junior. He practised on the range and competed in his first event aged seven – a Northern Junior Golf Tour event at Seaton Carew.
“I made an eagle at 16 – holing out from 150 yards with a hybrid, it hit the flag and spun in the hole,” added Tom.
A significant milestone came at the Wee Wonders British Championship for U10s at Gullane, which he won, earning him a spot at the World Championships at Pinehurst in 2019.
“That was an unbelievable experience and left me wanting more,” added Tom.
While the top spot in the European rankings is hotly contested and can change quickly during the summer, Tom remains focused on competing this summer – primarily at the English U18s at Farnham in June.
“With any event like that, making the cut first is my priority,” he said. “I don’t want to be too ahead of myself. Then if I make the cut, if I can get a good finish, a top-10 finish, if I find myself playing well, then I will see if I can get up the leaderboard.”
Tom, who is attached to Rockliffe Hall and is a member at Teesside Golf Club, is a regular in England and Yorkshire teams, and is hoping to continue his journey in the game in national and international events this summer thanks to support from Location 68 – an associate partnership and business relationship management company.
The North East-based business will be helping Tom with travel and accommodation for upcoming events, as well as other support to allow him to concentrate on his game.
“I am thankful to so many people, and this sponsorship with Location 68 enables me to play in the right events and focus on my game with the rest of my team,” added Tom.
After the English U18s, Tom has a busy schedule including the Carris Trophy, the McGregor Trophy, the Scottish U16s, and the English Amateur Championship. Looking further ahead, he is considering turning professional at 18 but is also thinking about attending college in the US following sixth form education on Teesside.
