GOLFER Conor Richards has received one of the most coveted awards in American college golf.
The 18 year old, who has a four-year scholarship at Lander University, South Carolina, won the Freshman of the Year title for his performances in the Peach Belt Conference.
Playing in his first season, Richards, a member of Shanklin and Sandown Golf Club, achieved a top-five and four top-ten finishes in the competition, which covers the southern states of the USA.
His dad, John, said: "We are incredibly proud of all that Conor has achieved.
"He has to work hard to maintain academic grades to keep his playing rights in the NCAA.  
"This has been sheer hard work and determination, both at sixth form in Surrey and three years on the England Golf Development Programme to get this opportunity in the USA.
"To receive both Freshman of The Year and All Conference first team honours is amazing."