When Southend teenager Ricki Winn was eight years old, dad Derek backed him at odds of 1,000-1 to win one of golf's four majors by the age of 25.

Putting for glory - Southend teenager Ricki Winn aims to taste victory in a golf major by the age of 25 Picture: Robin Woosey 2TCQA1

If that dream becomes reality then his father will pick up a cool £10,000 for his £10 stake. But he's by no means the only one to have huge belief in his son's ability to succeed.

Winn, 19, stands at 6 ft 2 tall and weighs in at 11 stone and is hungry for success having turned professional this week.

For the past year he's teamed up with top coach Peter Mitchell, who's based at West Malling in Kent.

Mitchell said: "I have worked with Ricki for over a year now and have coached many of the best players in Europe over the years.

"I've also played alongside some of the best in the world and feel that Ricki has the special skills which are needed to be a very successful European Tour and World player in the years ahead."

Published Thursday July 15, 2004

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