WORCESTER'S teenage star Kevin Barnes could be treading the fairways with Britain's most successful golfer after he qualified for the Faldo Series final.

Barnes finished top of the order of merit in the Southwest England and South Wales region of the series launched by Nick Faldo 10 years ago.

The 17-year-old secured first place in the under 18 boys section after the third and final Faldo Series 2006 tournament at Royal Porthcawl this week.

He now goes forward to the final in October at the Celtic Manor Resort in Newport -- venue for the 2010 Ryder Cup.

Faldo will host the 60 players who qualify for the final and the leading finalists will get the chance to play with the six-time major champion the following day.

They will also receive an invite to the annual Faldo Series Asia grand final at Mission Hills Golf Club in China.

The Faldo Series provides opportunities for 1,200 talented golfers aged 11-21 each year and introduces the game to many more.

Combining competition with education, the Faldo Series features 30 tournaments each year at some of Europe's finest courses plus a programme of seminars on different aspects of the game.

He also handpicks players for Team Faldo -- who receive additional support and advice throughout the year.

It has been a busy few days for Barnes. After missing out in regional qualifying for the Open Championship, he returned to form to win the Club Championship at his home course, Worcester Golf and Country Club.