Young golfer claims a first for the new century

A 16-year-old golfer from Sussex has laid claim to the first hole-in-one of the new millennium.

Russell Cronin shot his ace on the 160-yard fourth hole in a morning round at East Brighton Golf Course on New Year's Day.

The Sussex under-18s player said: "I didn't believe it at first. I hit it to the left of the pin and it kicked right and went straight in.

"I was with my brother and playing another pair in a friendly. We just jumped around the green. I finished on one over par on 72, one of my best ever rounds on the course. "I'm claiming it as the first hole-in-one in the new millennium - at least by a junior!"

Russell, who plays off a five handicap, had a hat-trick of reasons to smile for his feat clinched him the club's junior captaincy and a place in the club's scratch squad.

He will attend

trials this weekend for the club's scratch team with 16-year-old cousin Mark Brayshaw, another county player who is a member of the England junior training squad.

Russell said: "My first ever hole-in-one certainly sparked quite a start to the new millennium for me."

Russell captained East Brighton to the Sussex and Brighton and District Junior League titles last season and has a big ambition.

He said: "I want to become a professional and I believe I can be.

"My millennium resolution is to

practice more so I can get my handicap down to two by the end of the year and eventually join the paid ranks."

Russell used to be a footballer like his versatile 14-year-old brother, Lance, who is at the Albion's centre of excellence and who got his first hole-in-one last year.

Lance said: "It'd be great to have two professional sportsmen in the family!"

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