'Sky's the limit' for young golfer in US Open

A golf club that helped shape rising athlete Tyler Weaver said the "sky is the limit" as he took on professionals during a major event.

The amateur golfer, 20, from Suffolk, made his major debut in the US Open at Oakmont, Pennsylvania, on Thursday finishing the round five over par putting him tied in 79th place.

He will take on champions in the sport, including Rory McIlroy, Bryson DeChambeau and Brooks Koepka, aiming to make Friday's cut and earn himself a spot in the weekend's matches.

Links Golf Club in Newmarket is watching Weaver closely, and many members and coaches - including Jonny Sharkey - believed he could "do something special".

"He was really fun to watch growing up at the club here," said Mr Sharkey, who is the club's youth coach.

"He always had it in him; he had a strong steeliness about him as a junior member up here.

"He's always had all the shots, there's never been a weakness in his game, and I think that's what's propelled him to this level.

"The sky is the limit for him... why can't he go on and do something special this week?"

Mark Payne, a club member, had helped fundraise for Weaver to buy equipment as a youth.

He said it was an "unbelievable" achievement to reach the US Open.

"There's a lot of good young players, but he was always exceptional and lets his golf do the talking," he said.

"We're very proud of him at the club."

Mr Payne added that Weaver had a "good chance" at the event and was "never phased by anything".

The club held a party on Thursday night to watch Weaver tee off in the competition.

Junior golfers described Weaver as an "inspiration", and they hoped to follow in his footsteps.

Competing in a major had "always been a dream" for Weaver, he previously said, and his elder brother Max is caddying for him.

The brothers both started playing golf at Newmarket from an early age, and Weaver said it had meant "a lot" to him to know he had the support from the club.

Weaver's Dad, Jason, a former jockey, and mum Fiona will also be at the event cheering him on.

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