MARTIN YOUNG gets the president's vote as Hampshire's most improved golfer of the year - and that's something of a rarity for a 29-year-old.

It has been the young players such as Justin Rose, David Porter and Darren Henley who have made the most rapid strides in recent years, but 'old man' Young from Brokenhurst Manor has been the undisputed star of the amateur scene in 2000.

Hampshire Golf Union president John Nettell said: " Martin has come on by leaps and bounds this summer, and the fact that he's purely a weekend golfer makes it all the more commendable.

"He was recently selected for some England international B string training and coaching at Woodhall Spa, and on a very tough course and in tricky conditions he posted the second best score. He had some specialist coaching on his short game and was chipping like a dream on his final day."

Young began the season on a high note by winning the Hampshire Salver for the best combined scores in the Selborne Salver and Hampshire Hog. He carried on the good work as his season peaked with victory in the prestigious Lagonda Trophy.

Towards the end of the season he won another quality competition in the Mike Smith Memorial Trophy and was an integral part of the Hampshire, Isle of Wight and Channel Islands team which won the South East Counties League championship.

"Martin's a building site manager and spends a fair bit of time away from home," said Nettell, "so he doesn't get a lot of time to practise his golf. He's got where he is on pure ability."

lFANCY an escape from the interminable rain? Bet you do, and there's a chance of a few days in the Costa del Sol if you are a keen golfer.

Hampshire PGA still have team slots in their overseas pro-am tournament on Spain's south coast from February 24 until March 3.

The cost of the trip, which includes flights, meals, accommodation, five rounds of golf and a gala dinner to round things off is £695.

Interested? Then contact Hampshire PGA secretary David Wheeler on 01962 860928 as quickly as possible.