A WIRRAL Grammar School student has become the youngest-ever winner of the Junior European Open golf tournament held in Spain last week.

Sophie Clafton, 13, who lives in Willaston and originally from Chester, has followed her dad's love of golf from when she was a baby.

Sophie’s dad, Gavin Clafton, said: “I’m a golf fanatic so when people say ‘when did Sophie start playing golf?’ it’s impossible to answer.

“Her first Christmas, when she wasn’t even one-year-old, she had a putter in her hand, so she’s played from the beginning.”

Sophie began playing more competitively when she was nine-years-old, following a move to Wallasey Golf Club.

Within three years, Sophie, who also plays at Royal Liverpool, was down to a two-handicap, and was winning competitions at club and county level, before making it into the England regional squad.

Last week, Sophie and her dad headed to Spain to the La Haceinada Links Golf course for the European Junior Open.

Chester and District Standard: Sophie and her dad at the tournamentSophie and her dad at the tournament (Image: Gavin Clafton)

Gavin added: “The biggest achievement for Soph was of course winning it, but the tournament has been going for 30 years and she is the youngest-ever winner.

“It was really nice being able to caddy her, and experience it with Soph, and it gave us a glimpse of what the future could be like.”

Sophie was presented with her trophy by former winner and supporter of the event, Nick Dougherty, who is now a golf commentator on Sky Sports.

Chester and District Standard: Sophie getting her trophySophie getting her trophy (Image: Gavin Clafton)

The event's highlights will be covered on Sky Sports Golf at 8pm on Monday, December 12.