RISING golf star Will Bebbington is setting his sights high after winning a national award.

The Sandiway Golf Club 12-year-old has received the Hero’s Handshake for his inspirational achievements on and off the course.

Handshakes have been awarded periodically since last year by the Young Golf Ambassadors, who represent England Golf and the Golf Foundation.

“Will has been hosting live chats and Instagram with his friends and others challenging other golfers to join and then undertake skills challenges,” said his dad Chris.

“This inspired Will, together with his friend Harry Kell, to set up a JustGiving page to raise money for the NHS through online donations. Will even donated his signed Tommy Fleetwood cap to be drawn from the names of those who donate.

“In the words of the Golf Foundation, Will has shown that golf is so much more than just playing nine or 18 holes. He has shown how much fun it can be through his InstaLive and his YouTube channel undertaking skills challenges, trick shots and live chats.

“They have quoted that Will is an inspirational example to other young and aspiring golfers and a worthy winner of May’s Hero’s Handshake.”

For Will, golf began in his back garden aged four. He progressed to the golf range when he was five and then started playing at Hartford Golf Club where he was involved in the Adam Powell Academy.

Will then moved to Sandiway and he also plays at Royal Liverpool and Pryors Hayes.

“He has won the Pryors Hayes Junior Championships for the past two years and was also the joint winner of the Junior Order of Merit at Sandiway and he reached a handicap of 9.7 by the age of 12,” said Chris.

Will added: “My highlights along the way have been three holes in one, two at Hartford and one on the 18th at Sandiway.

“I was the grand finalist of the Wee Wonders in 2018, representing Sandiway and recently joined both the under 14s and under 16s Cheshire squads at the age of 12.

“My ambitions are to become a Tour professional and multiple ‘major’ winner – my short term aim is to get my handicap down to scratch.”

He added: “I am proud and humbled to be recognised by the Golf Foundation and England Golf’s Hero’s Handshake initiative.

“I am also happy to have been able to raise money for the NHS at such a difficult time.

“I would like to thank everybody who helps me with my golf.”

Anyone wishing to donate can do so at justgiving.com/fundraising/will-harry-nhs-golf-fundraiser.