The Wheatley Hills youngster, from Our Lady of Mount Carmel Primary School, beat off competition from a record number of 3,800 competitors to qualify for Scotland and just missed out on a podium finish with rounds of 39 and 46 over the nine-hole course.

Max, who plays at Wheatley Golf Club, finished a creditable seventh on the testing St Andrews fairways but is already dreaming of a return in 2009 to land the top prize.

Max said: "It was a great experience.

"To play at somewhere like St Andrews was a big thrill - I've really enjoyed it.

"I was quite nervous with so many people watching - it feels just like you're playing in a golf tournament that is on the television - but it
was brilliant.

"Playing here makes you feel so important.

"I can't wait to try and get back here again next year and I'll be practicing even harder."

Wee Wonders founder Alasdair Good - regarded as one of the world's best junior coaches - hailed the 106-strong field in Scotland and predicted that Max could one day return to St Andrews as an Open champion.

He said: "To get to play St Andrews is every golfer's dream.

"It is miles away from the clubs that so many youngsters have joined and the places they have played so it's a great experience.

"In the years to come I'm sure we'll see the likes of Max lifting the Claret Jug and I'll be delighted they can say I got into golf by playing the Wee Wonders."