Calum Hey has become the first Keighley member to win the Bradford Union’s Karl Curran Golfer of the Year Trophy for 18 years.

And the last player from the Utley club to win the coveted award, Phil Wood, has paid a glowing tribute to the teenager’s achievement.

Hey’s prize comes after he became what is believed to be the youngest ever golfer to win the Bradford Open at the age of 16.

Wood, who was crowned top golfer in 1995, said: “In terms of ability at his age, he is without question the finest talent we’ve had at this club.

“I know we’ve had Will Whiteoak but he moved on to Bingley and now Shipley.

“In terms of who has stayed at the club, Roger Mitchell was certainly a fine young player but I’m not sure how good he was at Calum’s age.

“The club is especially proud of what he has achieved and what he will continue to achieve.”

The Karl Curran Trophy is based on Bradford Union and Yorkshire Inter-District Union competitions, with points accrued throughout the season.

Hey’s total of 57 saw him top the final list, finishing six clear of Cleckheaton’s Chris Green, with Shipley’s Jamie Mountain in third on 47 and Haworth-based Whiteoak and Bradford Moor’s James Firth coming joint-fourth on 42.

His Open triumph at Cleckheaton, coupled with winning the Jim Wade Trophy, was the key to his success but his consistent performances for the Union side at inter-district level were also vital.

Wood, who was also golfer of the year in ’92 and ’93, believes Hey can go on to achieve bigger things at county level and beyond.

He said: “Calum has been knocking on the door for some time. He is not frightened to shoot low scores and has a very bright future.

“At his age, he is playing without fear.

“He is also very grounded and is a pleasant guy, which is a credit to his mum Geraldine.”

The five-time Bradford Open winner said he was delighted that Hey had put Keighley back on the map and anticipated that the club would honour his success in some way.

The South Craven School pupil was delighted to win the award, which was won last year by his good friend Whiteoak.

Hey said: “After what Phil achieved, I’m really pleased to follow on from him.

“Winning the Golfer of the Year award is a good way to finish the season.

“I’ve not really had a great season in some of the bigger events but I’m really pleased to win the Bradford award and I’m going to work on my game over the winter and build on this.”

Formerly know as the T&A Golfer of the Year, the award was renamed in honour of 2008 winner Karl Curran, who died in 2009 after battling skin cancer.

* Bradford golfer Helen Jacques has received a limited-edition Boss watch after scoring a hole-in-one during a recent competition at Lightcliffe Golf Club.

The 41-year-old, who plays off a 21 handicap, scored her ace on the 128-yard, par-three 15th hole.