Horsey hits form

David Horsey provided more evidence of his growing reputation as one of the country’s most exciting young players when he carved out a three-under-par 68 for a five-way share of the first round lead in Lytham Trophy at Royal Lytham and St Annes.

The 20-year-old from Macclesfield continued in much the same vein as last weekend when he won the West of England Championship at Royal North Devon a few days after his victory in the Southport and Ainsdale Bowl.

“The only difference today was that I did not hit my irons close enough to set up more chances,” said Horsey.

He still managed to pick up four birdies, erring just the once when he misjudged the strength of the wind at the eighth for his lone bogey.

Horsey, who makes his England debut against France at Bordeaux next week, also revealed his Swedish girlfriend Alex Ellioth has been a ‘calming influence’ since she started caddying for him last week.

“She is good to talk to when I’ve had a bad hole,” he added.