ANTHONY Harwood came within two shots of the course record to retain the Blackburn Scratch Shield.

The 19-year-old, who plays off a handicap of one, won the club championship for the second successive year but did it in much more emphatic style this time around, winning by six strokes.

The teenager, who works in the pro's shop at the club and is currently studying for a Sports Science qualification at college, shot 68 in the morning and followed it up with an even more impressive 65 in the afternoon.

"At one stage I was one off tying for the course record but then I dropped a shot.

"I was surprised I did so well really because I haven't been playing as much as usual.

"But sometimes that can work out for the batter. I was more relaxed.

"I started off well in the afternoon, I birdied the first three holes and then I played well from then on.

"I was really pleased to win it and to get such good scores."

Harwood, who wants to go to university next year or apply to join the police force, says becoming a golf pro is further down on his list of priorities.

"I am working towards higher education or the police force," he said. "I don't want to be a golf pro, I don't think so anyway."