CWMBRAN teenager and keen golfer James Palfrey is off to the USA after receiving an invitation to take part in the US Kids World Teen Championships.

The event takes place in July at the world-famous Pinehurst Resort in North Carolina and James' trip will be sponsored by NP Linnells, Property Consultants of Newport.

James started playing golf aged six after watching the Netflix documentary The Short Game.

He played his first competition when he was eight - The Generations Trophy at GreenMeadow Golf Club, which he won partnering his dad.

James went on to play in the Wee Wonders Grand Final (Scotland) and won Wales Mini Masters when he was nine at The Celtic Manor.

South Wales Argus: James and Martyn Palfrey

In 2022 he played in the US Kids European Championships in Scotland, which has been his main achievement to date.

Later in 2022, he went on to win the Ping Welsh Junior Under 12’s Order of Merit, which consisted of six events in North, Mid and South Wales. He won three and came second in three.

Also in 2022 James won the Glamorgan under 12’s Championships and Order of Merit at St Athan Golf Club.

At the end of the season, he achieved yet another victory, by winning the under 12’s South Wales US Kids Local Tour, winning all five events including the grand final.

As a result of this win and along with his exceptional scores, James received the invitation to the US Kids World Teen Championships.

James has also competed for the GreenMeadow Junior Golf team, which won the Gwent & Wales inter-club Championships 2022. They went on to play in the British Junior Home Nations championships held in Cheshire, in April this year and finished in fourth place.

A spokesman for GreenMeadow Golf and Country Club said: "For his age group James is one of the best players in Wales. His motivation and desire to improve is shown in his dedication to practice. We wish him all the best for his tour to the US and his future golfing experiences."