BEN Amor is aiming to keep his blossoming career on an upward curve after emulating some of golf’s most famous names by lifting the England U18 title.

The Marlborough youngster, who celebrated his 18th birthday last month, got his hands on the prestigious Carris Trophy – won by US Open champion Justin Rose in 1995 and two-time major winner Lyle in 1975 – by beating Bath’s Jamie Li and Italy’s Renato Paratore in a three-way play-off at the West Lancashire Golf Club.

Amor, the son of Marlborough club professional Simon, kept his cool by making par on the tenth hole to claim the championship and was rewarded with a call-up to the England team to defend the Boys’ Home International title at Forest Pines, Lincolnshire, next week (August 6-8).

“It was absolutely amazing – I didn’t play that well on the first day but after that, everything just clicked for me,” said Amor, who also reached the matchplay stages at this week’s English Men’s Amateur Championship at Frilford Heath.

“It was my first time competing in the competition because I took a bit of a gap year from the nationals last year.

“All of the messages I’ve had have been great and I don’t want to dwell on this now. I want to keep my foot on the gas and keep on winning.

“Back in February, one of my close friends said that I should for the home internationals and I thought that I had no chance.

“But on Sunday night, I had a call from the team manager asking me if I’d be interested in playing and I obviously said ‘yes’ straight away.

“I’m really excited about it because playing for England is something that I’ve always wanted to do because you’re going to be playing against other people who have also been the best in their countries.

“I was 18 on July 7 and it’s all been a pretty good late birthday present.”

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