Rising star Lee Heaton says his time in the United States has already helped take his game to another level.

The talented Lingfield golfer has just returned from his first year of a golf scholarship at Mississippi State University, and is now aiming to try and qualify for the British Open.

He said: "I got through the regional qualifiers last year but didn't make it to the tournament and I'd love to go further this year.

"I've been playing well in tournaments in the States, I got a top 10 finish at the Mason Rudolph which I was very pleased with and also did well in some events in Georgia and Florida.

Heaton, whose family home is in Lingfield and is a member of Tandridge Golf Club, described how his studies in America are built around his golf.

"We have classes until 12pm then we are on the golf course from about one and we stay there until about six each night.

"We also have tournaments to go to about twice a month. It's quite intense but we're improving as players and it is a fantastic opportunity to go over there to play."

And Heaton, who has a handicap of plus 1.8, says playing in different conditions in the States has improved his all-round game.

"My coach is looking to me to go on and take responsibility for the team next year as we have had a lot of players graduating."

Heaton is majoring in communications and journalism but has his eyes set on turning professional after graduating in three years time.

"The standard of players in the amateur competition is getting higher and higher all the time.

"I'm looking forward to getting out and competing in British Tournaments again to see how much progress I have made."

Talented Heaton is a former English Schoolboy Champion and has captained England Schools and also holds the amateur course records at Tandridge and Knole Park.