BLACKBURN teenager Jack Brooks is determined to tame the famous Royal Lytham & St Annes course and make a tilt for glory at the amateur game’s unoffficial third major.

The 19-year-old Pleasington member is one of four East Lancashire golfers crossing the county determined to make hay for the prestigious Lytham Trophy, which starts today.

Also joining Brooks are Lancashire team-mates Mark Young, of Longridge and Shaw Hill’s Jonathan Hurst, along with Chorley’s Sam Stuart.

The Lytham Trophy holder is James Robinson from the nearby Southport & Ainsdale Golf Club, who won the 72-hole scratch stroke-play competition with a total score of 287.

Brooks, the English under 14 champion in 2003 and former Lancashire County Boys Champion, enjoyed a successful 2009 season when breaking the all-time Pleasington course record and becoming an established county player for Lancashire.

And now the former QEGS student is looking for more silverware, though he knows the Lytham links is one of the toughest courses around.

“It’s a great test for everyone,” said the plus two golfer. “It’s hard enough on a still day, but when the wind gets up, it can be a bit of a beast.

“It’s not supposed to be easy, but I’m looking forward to going out there and giving my best.

“It’s probably one of the biggest competitions around, right up there with British Amateur Championships.”

Tee-off times, today/tomorrow: Jack Brooks (Pleasington) 1220/0810; Jonathan Hurst (Shaw Hill) 0810/1220; Jonathan Hurst (Shaw Hill) 0810/1220; Mark Young (Longridge) 1320/0910.