Dean Plant signed for the round of a lifetime when posting an eight under par 61 to create a new course record at Willingdon.

Next Spring Dean will be playing for money with eyes on the Euro Pro Tour. A few more rounds like his second to successfully defend the Willingdon Salver will bring him fame and fortune.

But, to launch himself on a programme of 15 events, with a £300 entry fee each time, he needs sponsorship.

"That's what I'll be looking for," said Dean, who at 20, has only just broken into the Sussex senior side after coming up with the county colts.

Golf is not the only string to Dean's sporting bow. At 6ft 3in he plays in goal for Saltdean and kept for Sussex Boys' and, as a 14-year-old, was on Chelsea's books.

But golf is where his future lies and this weekend he goes as a reserve for the English Counties South East championship at West Herts.

His achievement on his home course at Willingdon bettered by one stroke the existing record of professional John Sewell.

The 61 included seven birdies and a total of 22 putts. After an opening 68, Dean began his second round on the ninth. The short seventh on the card was, in fact, his 16th hole and there the longest putt on the round, a 30-footer, went down.

"Everything went right and Steve Graham, my playing partner, was absolutely brilliant and willing me on all the time," said Dean.

Steve, manager of Sussex Colts, said: "It was like playing with Tiger Woods."

Dean's 129 aggregate was 11 strokes clear of nearest rival Tom Foreman on a day of low scoring.

Three days a week Peacehaven-based Dean works on a building site. The rest of the time he spends honing his game. He used to do three days in the pro shop at Willingdon.

"I've been advised not to do too much labouring work in case I get a muscle injury but it is ideal for keeping in shape.

"I am definitely turning pro next year, probably in March or April and hope to play on the Euro Pro Tour. It would be marvellous if I could get some sponsorship as the expenses on the tour are quite high."

Here is his record busting card (starting at the ninth):

4, 4, 4, 2, 3, 4, 2, 4, 4 = 31;

2, 4, 4, 3, 4, 4, 3, 3, 3 = 30.

Willingdon Salver results:

129 Dean Plant (Willingdon), 68, 61.

140 Tom Foreman (Willingdon), 70, 70.

Best scratch AM: Robert Williams (Willingdon), 66.

Best scratch PM: Graham Carn (Willingdon) 67.

Handicap: Robin Couchman (Copthorne) 70, 65, 135 on last 18 holes from Paul Hurcomb (Willingdon) 65, 70.