Support quality, independent, local journalism…that matters

From just £1 a month you can help fund our work – and use our website without adverts. Become a member today

A young golfer from Markham is set to represent Wales at the European Team Championship Division 2 for the second year running. 

Ryan Williams, 17, is heading to Slovakia with the six-boy team from Wednesday July 12 to Saturday 15.

He previously played golf for Wales in the same tournament held in Germany last year.

Ryan’s father, Gareth Williams, told Caerphilly Observer more about how Ryan made it to this point. 

“Ryan started hitting balls at two years of age,” said Gareth, “he was a natural talent.”

Ryan may have started with a plastic toy club but he soon started playing on courses with his father – first in Tredegar and then at Bargoed Golf Club when he was just seven-years-old. 

Then, it was onto competitions, including the Wales Mini Masters and Ping Junior Tour. 

Ryan has also won the Bargoed Club Championships.

Gareth, 43, said that his son’s biggest accomplishment has been playing for Wales.

Gareth added that he once said to Ryan: “If you represent Wales you make me the proudest man on earth.”

Now, that’s about to happen for the second time.