TIPTREE golf ace Dale Whitnell is feeling on top of the world.

The teenaged Five Lakes youngster is currently basking in the glory of being selected for the English Golf Union's Elite Squad for 2008.

Whitnell, 19, who plays off a handicap of plus three, is one of two talented teenagers in the 14-man squad along with his England Home International team-mate Sam Hutsby, of Hampshire.

The squad includes four special cases - players whose commitments prevent them from following the full Elite Squad programme.

"My goal at the start of the season was to win selection for the Elite Squad," an ecstatic Whitnell told the Standard.

"It is the top amateur golf squad in the country and you get to reap the many benefits of the English Golf Union.

"You are selected for your performances and your achievements in the world ranking tournaments and you get to see the world at the English Golf Union's expense."

Whitnell enjoyed a highly successful year in 2007, having already lifted the prestigious Daily Telegraph Junior Championship in 2006.

The rising Essex star won the North of England Youth Championship last year and made his full England debut in the Home International Series.

He also finished runner-up in the French Open Stroke Play and the Tillman Trophy and was third in the Russian Amateur Championships.

The former Essex champion is already looking ahead to another busy schedule this year.

He said: "I am scheduled to play in Australia twice this year and am in action next month in Spain and Portugal.

"I also intend to have a go at the European Tour Qualifying School.

"But my main aim is to play well enough between now and September 2009 to gain selection for the Great Britain and Ireland squad to challenge the USA for the Walker Cup in America.

"I will be looking to turn professional if I achieve all that."

But Whitnell, who works out in the gym five times a week, is very conscious of the fact that he mustn't overdo it.

"I am working very hard on my golf every day," he said.

"I hit over two buckets of balls every day and make sure I get plenty of work in actually playing holes.

"But I will be making sure that I get plenty of rest in there as well - it is important not to run the risk of over golfing yourself."