MARLBOROUGH’S Ben Amor has secured a sponsorship deal with the Hills Group as he takes the first steps in his professional career.

The 21 year old turned professional in February after a stellar amateur career which included the County Champion of Champions title in 2016, the West of England Amateur Championship a year earlier, representing Great Britain and Ireland three times in the boys’ team against Europe and winning the Carris Trophy in 2013.

Amor is currently in the United Arab Emirates playing on the MENA (Middle East & North Africa) Tour in the Ras Al Khaimah Classic and then moves onto Thailand for the MahaSamutr Masters, the Mountain Creek Open and the Pattana Golf Championships.

Hills chief executive Mike Hill said: “Hills has a long association with Marlborough Golf Club and we are excited to be able to support Ben as he embarks on his promising golf career.”

Derry Hill’s Jordan Smith continued his fine first season on the European Tour as he finished tied 14th at last week’s Shenzhen International in China. Smith has climbed to 97th in the world ahead of the Volvo China Open.

THE Wiltshire Ladies County Golf Association’s Spring Meeting at Marlborough Golf Club saw home player Karen Gosling retain the Scratch Cup.

THE North Wilts Adult & Junior Open saw Lee Church (North Wilts) and Ellie Hare (Whitley) win with 40 points.