Stenhouse golf starlet Struan McCall is hopeful a coaching masterclass from European Tour star Nick Dougherty can catapult him into contention to become HSBC Wee Wonders champion in 2009.

The 11-year-old Stenhouse Primary School pupil, who reached the finals day at St Andrews in the under-10's category, was given top tips at the launch of the national competition at the luxurious Grove Country Club in Watford last month.

And the Baberton Golf Club member, a 27 handicapper, proved to be a quick learner after holing a tricky bunker shot after Dougherty had missed his demonstration.

"To get the chance to fly down and play at the Grove was fantastic and the course was unbelievable," said Struan.

"I was really excited to meet Nick and he gave me a lot of tips and to hole the bunker shot in front of him was a great feeling.

"My aim for the season is to get my handicap down to the low 20's and to get to St Andrews again and hopefully win the Wee Wonders crown."

And Dougherty, a protégé of six-time Major winner Nick Faldo, believes the experience will stand Struan in good stead on and off the course.

After receiving individual coaching on the driving range and putting green, Dougherty played the first of Struan's nine holes alongside her.

He said: "The likes of Struan are the best people to coach, they are like an open book and absorb information so well.

"HSBC are helping kids get in at grass roots level through the Wee Wonders, if one of them goes on to be a tour pro it's a job well done. Golf teaches principles of honesty, respect and integrity and that's great for the kids of this age."