Teenage golfer Richard is record-breaker
A young barman has broken a golf course record – despite only taking up the game four years ago.
Richard Shaw took 66 shots to make his way around the Lodge course at Enville Golf Club during a round. The previous record was 67.
The 18-year-old, who plays off a handicap of 0, hopes the achievement will be a spring board to becoming a professional.
Richard, who currently works at the golf club's bar, only started playing golf four years ago, while at Ellowes Hall Sports College in Dudley.
Richard, who lives with his parents in Wombourne Park, Wombourne, said: "My mates were playing and I decided to come along one day and hit some balls – I haven't looked back since.
"It's taken a lot of hard work and patience but my game feels like its continuing to improve each year. I was really pleased with breaking the course record.
"I can now aim to further break it and take part in local competitions."
The previous record had been held by Chris Elston for around eight years.
Richard, who now plays golf every day, came second in the Staffordshire Boys Golf Tournament in Penn last year. He has also won a competition at Copt Heath Golf Club in Solihull.
The breaking of the course record at Enville Golf Club will be recognised with a plaque at the clubhouse.
Richard's father Peter, an owner of a car body repair shop, said he was proud of his son. He added: "It's even more amazing considering he is not from golfing background, the sport was alien to me. But he has worked so hard, often going down the club at 8am and not coming back till 10pm."
The family is hoping to secure sponsorship for Richard to help him progress in the sport.
Richard started playing golf at Sedgley Golf Club before moving to Enville.
Breaking the course record is even more remarkable for Richard as the 11th hole has been extended in recently.
He said: "I never really had many classes, it was more about watching players on the internet and learning the right way to play.
"When I broke the record I had a good day. I had some good putts go in, it went from there really." The family say sponsorship would support Richard in buying equipment and travel."
