RISING star Louis Laviscount is planning his whirlwind ‘American Dream’ after making a name for himself at this week’s Harold Ryden Trophy.

The 20-year-old proved something of an unknown quantity to the majority of East Lancashire’s amateurs when registering as a late entry to the prestigious event at Wilpshire.

But the new kid on the block – who first picked up a golf club just five years ago – quickly became the talk of the tournament after storming to Wednesday’s final against Daniel Nutter.

Laviscount’s adventure on home territory evenutally ended in defeat, as three-time runner-up Nutter got his hands on the silverware with a 2&1 victory.

There are greater journies ahead, though, for the former Ribblesdale High School student over the coming years.

In August, he heads to Borger, in Texas, for a two-year college scholarship which he hopes will lead to a further four years of studies at the highly-acclaimed Stanford University.

“I’ve always wanted to go over and play golf in America,” said Laviscount, whose handicap has tumbled from 11 to three in little over 18 months. “I’m a bit scared, but excited at the same time.

“It’s a great college, one of the highest-ranked nationally. I’ll combine it with my studies, playing golf three days a week and spending four days in the class.

“Stanford Golf is one of the best in America and that’s what I’m aiming for. I could be over there for a while, but it’s what I want.”

Nerves are not an issue for Read-based Laviscount, whose artistic family have a penchant for performing on the big stage.

Parents Eugene and Sonia are internationally-recognised former body-builders, winning respective Mr and Miss Universe crowns during the mid-1980s, while actor brother Lucien, 17, earned his major break in television last year, starring as a regular character on Coronation Street.

Laviscount aims to become a star in his own making on the fairways, but his progress is all the remarkable considering his belated entry into the sport.

“My dad took me onto the driving range when I was 15. I just hit some balls and I really enjoyed it,” said the Myerscough College student.

“It’s gone on from there. I started out at Whalley for two years before moving to Wilpshire.”