The Future Champions Tour, part of the county’s junior golf scheme, is helping young players lower their handicaps and compete at higher levels by the time they reach their early teens.

PGA advanced professional Kev Caplehorn, who has played a key role in developing the tour, said the scheme is already producing results.

Mr Caplehorn said: "Obviously we want better players coming through the junior ranks to make Hampshire even more successful than they have been over the last 30 years, when Justin Rose played for the first time as a 16-year-old.

"Everyone has heard of Justin, with his wins all around the world, including the Gold medal at the Olympics 10 years ago.

"He started playing in the same junior opens that our boys and girls are now entering."

The county has a strong track record of developing elite golfers.

In recent years, Hampshire has produced top amateur champions including Neil Raymond, Scott Gregory, Harry Ellis, and Sam Hutsby—all Walker Cup players for Great Britain and Ireland.

Mr Caplehorn said: "Now we have Albie Beeston, from North Hants, and Max Blake, another Corhampton junior, in the England U18s squad for next year.

"None of those great players—apart from Harry—were playing in competitive events for players under 12.

"So who knows what the future can bring for our current stars, who are starting out as young as six.

"It’s called the Future Champions Tour for a reason, and I don’t think we will have to wait too long to see some evidence of it."

The scheme is also helping young players succeed in county competitions.

Mr Caplehorn said: "Charlie Ship, from Dibden, won both the gross and junior trophies in the Hampshire U14s this summer, and he only turned 13 this year.

"The players who featured among the prize winners were all members of the Future Champions Tour.

"Players like Aaron Palmer, from Hayling, Jamie Turnball and Isaac Haunstrup from Rowlands Castle, and Ralph Smith, from Corhampton, who won the U9-10s national Faldo Series title at The Belfry in August, are proving they have the talent.

"They also have the willingness to learn and improve as golfers, which is just fantastic to see."

Mr Caplehorn, who has coached in Hampshire for 17 years, said: "It’s such a rewarding job helping to grow the game like this."