MELTHAM’S rising golf star Jamie Bower has added to his recent honours by becoming the English Schools’ National champion.

The talented 18-year-old won the event held at Belton Park Golf Club near Grantham, Lincolnshire.

There were five regional schools’ championships to decide who played at the Nationals, and Bower played at Whickham Golf Club in Durham to book his place.

The championship final was 36 holes stroke-play off scratch, and Bower scored a one over par 72 in the morning round to sit four strokes behind the leaders.

In the afternoon session Bower was one under par after nine holes to remain in contention but then played a stunning back nine.

He finished the course in 29 shots for a round of seven under par 64 – a new course record which won the championship.

The event also decided which 12 players would take their places in the England Schools’ Boys team for the international match against Scotland in September at Kilmarnock Barassie Golf Club.

Bower will join the team for that match but he is unavailable for the following international against Wales at Copt Heath.

Bower’s run of form has been stunning as this success follows his fifth place in a top national junior golf tournament – the Sir Henry Cooper Junior Masters.

The talented 18-year-old is also the reigning Halifax, Huddersfield Union Junior Stroke-play Championship title holder, having won the prestigious Lightcliffe Tankard last year.