Why American student life is flipping great for Hampshire U18 golf champion Aman Uddin

The Lee-on-the-Solent member, who produced a gutsy performance in stormy conditions at Barton-on-Sea in August, is playing for Dixie State University – 120 miles from Las Vegas.

Uddin is still finding his feet playing in the NCAA Division II, after a very promising start.

The Fareham teenager worked hard on his game last year after finishing a BTEC course at Itchen College – culminating in the biggest win of his career so far.

The former Cams Hill School pupil started life in Utah with a bang, finishing tied sixth after shooting eight-under in his first tournament for the Trailblazers, one of the newest golf programmes in the USA.

The 2017 Hampshire U16 champion was leading with a round to play in the WNMY Invitational, finishing fifth in just his third start in New Mexico.

Aman said: ‘My season has been extremely up and down. I’ve struggled a little for the last couple tournaments, but it’s not far away.

‘College is super fun. The culture is very different.

‘Adjusting has been a fun process. I typically have classes every day until noon, and then have the rest of the day to practice.

‘I’ve spent a lot more time practicing – more than I have in England.

‘The ratio of playing and practicing has flipped for me since I’ve been here.’

Aman also won the Cams Hall Club Championship with a course record 65 before jetting off to Utah.