Darren Mustchin has only been playing for two years yet his handicap is down to four and he is Sussex under-15s champion.

He carded a one under par 71 at West Chiltington, his home course, to win the title by four strokes from another name to watch, Richard Greenfield of The Dyke.

Darren's victory in the Dick George Trophy means there is yet another name for county union officials to note. The crop of youngsters on the fringe of coming through is increasing and shows no sign of drying-up. A consistent policy of encouraging youthful talent is paying off.

Unsurprisingly, lads like Darren are already thinking that, perhaps in the not-too-distant future, a career in professional golf could beckon. Steyning Grammar schoolboy Darren hopes his game will be in good enough shape one day that he may play for a living.

His introduction to the game came from grandfather Charlie Mustchin who is a member of West Sussex Artisans. Within two months Charlie's protege had a handicap. A friend introduced him to West Chiltington and now, still wet behind the ears, Darren completely dominated the 50-odd starters.

At the time of entering his handicap was six and that 71 became a 67 and the lowest nett score. As nobody can win two prizes, the handicap award went to Michael Pozzoni of Tilgate Forest with a nett 68.

Well built for his age and a touch like a junior version of Lee Westwood, Darren likes to give the ball a good thump. He picked-up the first of his two birdies by leaving his drive at the 225-yd seventh only 20ft from the pin. The first putt didn't go down but there was no argument at the 125-yd thirteenth when a wedge left him only 8ft away.

The championship 71 wasn't his best competitive score. Darren has had a 68 at West Chiltington but now needs to play different courses to widen his experience. "I would like to be a professional one day," said Darren who will be in a better position to weigh-up his chances after progressing through the ranks to colt (under-21) status.

That seems to be the make-or-break time in Sussex when the intensity and pressure of competition really hots up. The game also becomes a massive test of character.

It wasn't only the under-15 championship which was decided on a balmy day at West Chiltington. Oliver Reddick, of Bognor, headed the under-14s with 80 and Ham Manor's Jack Bartlett shot the same score to win the under-13s trophy.

Darren Renwick, of Worthing, who won the Laddie Lucas Spoon at Prince's earlier in the year aged 12, now plays off seven and had to be satisfied with a gross 81 to figure in the top ten.

There was no prize for Mark Judges, also of Worthing and a ten-handicapper, but his 92 that placed him 27th out of 53, is worthy of special mention.

Having gone out in six over par, Mark met disaster in a leaf-strewn bunker at the 15th. He had to sign for a 13, an unusually high score when not losing a ball, or balls, but had no thought of tearing up. That called for a certain sort of courage. "No returns" are frowned on at this level and there was only one and that wasn't going to be Mark, 13 or no 13.

One of the greatest pleasures of watching golf played by youngsters is the speed at which they take to complete a round. The four and five hour marathons come later, depending on which superstar they model themselves on.