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A young Markham golfer who has represented Wales internationally was given a community award to celebrate his achievements as he pursues his dream of turning pro.

Ryan Williams, 18, was given an outstanding achievement award by Argoed Community Council on January 15.

Speaking at the ceremony in Markham Miner’s Institute, Ryan said: “I would like to say thank you to the community for doing this for me.

“Thanks to everyone who has supported me throughout the years.”

Ryan already has many golfing achievements under his belt, including representing Wales at the European Boys’ Team Championships in Slovakia in July last year.

He also won the Gareth Bale Championship at the Celtic Manor resort last September – obtaining his World Amateur Golf Ranking in the process. 

Speaking previously to Caerphilly Observer, Ryan’s father, Gareth Williams, said his son was a “natural talent”. 

Gareth said: “Ryan started hitting balls at two years of age.”

He may have started with a plastic toy club but it wasn’t long before he was playing on courses with his father. First, in Tredegar and then at Bargoed Golf Club when he was just seven-years-old. 

At the awards ceremony, Ryan thanked his parents for their help along the way and said: “If it wasn’t for my father and mother I wouldn’t be doing this, so thanks to them.” 

Ryan’s award was the first of its kind handed out by the community council, but chairman Cllr John Mullen hopes it will be “the first of many”. 

Presenting Ryan his award, Cllr Mullen said: “His golfing achievements since he was a little one are difficult to surpass.”

Cllr Mullen added that Markham already boasts one world champion in the darts – Gerwyn Price – and said that Ryan’s dedication to his sport was “setting a trend” of young people “showing good”. 

Ryan has now left school and is currently working part-time as he aims to turn professional. 

Ryan added: “I can see a progression in my game every year. 

“Hopefully, I will become a professional golfer.”