HE'S just 11 and already Daniel Jeffries has teed off at St Andrew's and represented the UK and Ireland in a world tournament in the US.

The talented youngster from Pontypool has wanted to be a professional golfer since he was three, and is hoping to follow in the footsteps of his heroes, David Carter, and Ernie Els.

Daniel is a member of Newport Golf Club, with an official handicap of 21.

He started playing golf at the age of six, and has just made the Welsh Under-12 squad.

"I'm hoping I can stay in a Welsh squad until I'm 16, because they get to do warm weather training in Portugal," he told the Argus.

Last year he won the right to represent the UK and Ireland, after coming out top in the Wee Wonders competition held at St Andrews.

"Those taking part had to get as far as they could with 36 shots, and Daniel was the highest," said proud mum Tracy Jeffries, 42.

"He does very well and works hard, because obviously he has to balance school work with the golf," she added.

Daniel's victory meant he was selected to fly out to the US last year, as part of the UK and Ireland team, in the Children's World Championships.

"We played 18 holes over three days, and I scored seven over par on the last day," said Daniel.

It was a family affair, with dad Paul acting as caddie during the tournament.

He said:"I'm very proud of him - he's one in a million, the way he takes it all in his stride. It can't be easy having your dad as a caddy - quite a bit of pressure, but he was so relaxed."

As well as regular training sessions at Newport's Celtic Manor, Daniel is looking forward to competing in the Wessex Junior Masters in Bath, next month, and a tournament in Weston-super-Mare.