THIRTEEN is the lucky number of youngsters who have reached the final of Tiger Hunt, the world's first X-factor style search for a young golf star in Manchester on November 15.

They've been whittled down from more than 500 who auditioned at the Trafford Park Playgolf driving range and have gone on to complete a month's coaching.

The next step for the six to 13-year-olds is to demonstrate what they've learned and show how they have improved before a panel of judges who include former Walker Cup player and GB&I junior golf chairman Peter McEvoy and Setanta sports presenter Charlotte Jackson.

They will decide complete who will win the star prize of a year's free tuition, a set of clubs and golf clothing.

Battling for the honour are Harris Ali, 13 (Accrington); Joseph Hall, 12 (Oldham); Joseph Bannan, 10 (Rochdale); Lewis Parkin, 6 (Wigan); Hannah McColgan, 8 (Stockport); James Kempster, 9 (Stockport); Jack Mellor, 7 (Sale); Miles Fenton, 9 (Macclesfield); Katie-Jane Stanley, 9 (Oldham); Jefferson Turner, 11 (Ashton-under-lyne); Joe Nono, 11 (Altrincham); Jake Williams, 12 (Lymm);  Danielle Monaghan, 13 (Wigan).