TEENAGER Steven McGlynn has realised every young golfer's dream by landing a sports scholarship in America.

The up-and-coming Rishton star, winner of the ELGA Junior Championship in 2003 and a regular performer for Lancashire and England Boys, heads off to Iowa in August for a two-year scholarship at the prestigious Indian Hills Community College.

The Ottumwa-based establishment is regarded as one of the best golf junior colleges in the United States.

One of their overseas scouts spotted McGlynn as he took part in the English Boys' Open Amateur Championship at Sherwood Forest, and after analysing his potential, the college were quick to snap up the talented Blackburn Golf Club member.

It is the latest success story for the 18-year-old, whose reputation as one of England's most promising junior golfers gathers pace.

McGlynn will now hope to follow in the footsteps of top British golfers Luke Donald, Paul Casey and Colin Montgomerie, who were all graduates of American universities.

"I've never been to America, but I've always wanted a golf scholarship over there. To get one is unbelievable," said McGlynn, a former student at St Augustine's RC High School in Billington.

"It all came about when I played at the English Boys Championship. An American guy was walking around the course and he asked for my name and address.

"A week later, I got a letter through the post, offering me a scholarship.

"I can't wait to go over there. It's one of the best college's in America for golf. Hopefully, I can then turn professional."

McGlynn, whose parents Mark and Nicola are both experienced golfers, took up the sport at the age of eight and was a member at Blackburn two years later.

At 15, he was first called up by Lancashire Boys and, last year, he sunk the final putt as Lancashire landed their third English Boys County Championship.

Also in 2006, McGlynn, who has completed a sports course at Myerscough College, finished a respectable eighth in the Northern Order of Merit and earned an England Boys call-up.

It is those credentials that attracted America's talent spotters.

Mike Hagen, head golf coach at Indian Hills Community College, said: "I found Steven through a friend named Lorne Kelly. He is a highly accredited talent scout.

"He sent me information about Steven's tournaments and play.

"I felt Steven would be a great fit for Indian Hills. We are one of the best Golf Junior Colleges in the country.

"We are consistently in the top five in the country and our best players attend NCAA DI institutions after their time here.

"Steven has been given a scholarship to play golf for us.

"He will spend two years here and will hopefully help us win a National Title."