UPCOMING prospect Matthew Lord has bagged a cash bonus as he bids to make further progress.

The teenager, who has already got several York Union of Golf Clubs' senior representative outings in his locker, has been awarded a £250 grant to help him with travel and equipment costs.

As evidence of his promise the 15-year-old Lord, who plays off four, shot a gross 75 to win the Golf Foundation Weetabix age group (Under-15) regional qualifier at Howley Hall. He will play in the 36-hole final at the Marriott Forest of Arden club on August 20-21.

The cash aid has come from an initiative powered by Rotary International and SportsAid, the charity for sport, as part of the 'Creating Champions in your Community' scheme.

Rotary branch York Vikings and the Yorkshire and Humberside regional branch of SportsAid teamed up to propel the scheme locally with Lord one of the first beneficiaries.

The scheme has attracted the backing of no less than Sir Steve Redgrave, winner of an unparalleled five rowing Olympic gold medals.

He said: "I've been involved with SportsAid for 20 years and this partnership is without doubt one of the most exciting funding initiatives I have seen with the potential to have a terrific impact upon young people."

Updated: 10:34 Saturday, August 03, 2002