A GOLFING prodigy from Knutsford will be following in the footsteps of Tiger Woods at a prestigious tournament next week.

Twelve-year-old Toby Cooper’s impressive displays on these shores have qualified him for the IMG Junior World Golf Championship in the USA.

Legends such as Woods and Phil Mickelson are past winners of the tournament, as are current PGA Tour stars Tony Finau and Jason Day among others.

Now, this talented youngster will get the very same chance when he tees up in San Diego on Tuesday.

“Toby loves golf – he can’t get enough, often playing 36 holes in a day during the holidays and recently playing 45,” his dad Paul said.

“He practises very hard and has made some amazing progress this year, with a goal to get his handicap down to at least 7 this season.

“He loves competing and is looking to make more friends from around the world at the tournament.

“We are very proud of him and hope he continues his love of the game and continues to progress towards his goal of scratch by 15.”

Toby has got his handicap down to 8.4 and can consistently drive the ball to distances of more than 240 yards.

He currently plays for the Cheshire under 14s team and for his school, King’s Macclesfield, but golf is not the only sport at which he excels – he has also represented his county in cross-country running and has been approached to play for East Cheshire in hockey.

Having qualified through his displays on the British Junior Golf tour, Toby will compete against more than 100 other youngsters from 30 different countries in the 11-12 age group.

In total, more than 1,200 children from 56 countries will be in attendance at the championships.

Anybody interested in following Toby’s journey or sponsorship opportunities can follow and message his Instagram page @toby_c_golfer or email Paul at pppcooper@yahoo.co.uk