A Bridport teenager is taking the golfing world by storm, playing for South West England across the British Isles.

Zac Mudford, aged 15 and a student at the Sir John Colfox Academy, has made strides in the short four years he has been playing for clubs and squads.

He said: "For as long as I can remember, playing golf has always been my favourite thing and from around two, I started swinging a club in my nan and grandad's garden in Burton Bradstock. It didn't take long before my grandad started taking me for golf lessons to Lyme Regis Golf Club where he has been a member for around 45 years. I started having lessons with Duncan Driver, the professional at LRGC and I guess this is where it all started."

Zac played golf whenever he could and was selected to play for Dorset County Golf just aged 11.

"This was something I was very proud of as I was one of the youngest to have been selected at that time," Zac added.

"I've had the opportunity to represent Dorset against other counties and play in different events over those last few years, winning tournaments like the Cyril Nash. 

"I am also the youngest player at 11 to have won the Welling's Bowl (nett club championship), a trophy my dad once won."

After enjoying two really good seasons and getting his handicap low enough, Zac decided he would try and enter some England competitions.

He said: "For my first year, it went really well, and the result of that good season opened up the opportunity to apply for the England Regional Squad.

"The first stage of the application is to apply online, your handicap, your results in events and your references are taken into account and I was pleased when I made it through to stage two.

"Stage two was an assessment weekend at Cumberwell Park where 22 boys ranging from me at then 14, up to 17-years-old. We sat down to meet the coaches where they said out of the 22 players, only two would get a selection space. After a really fun weekend covering all aspects of golf and fitness, I came home feeling proud I'd made it that far, but being the youngest felt that with only two places, I may have to reapply when I got a bit older. However, only one week later I had the best news by an email receiving an email offering me one of those places. I was so pleased! I'd made it into the South West England under 18 squad."

Since September, Zac spends one weekend a month at Cumberwell Park covering all aspects of golf training, and on the others, he has Dorset under 16 training at Remedy Oak and Dorset under 18 training at Broadstone.

"England Golf has asked that I play as much national golf as possible all over the British Isles, from Scotland to Cornwall, Devon to Liverpool," he added.

"So far, I have eight tournaments entered and I'm hoping to raise some money to enter some more.

"I want to say thank you to those who ask for regular updates and to give you an idea of what I'm hoping to do this year.

"I've just started working two nights a week as I am unable to work weekends with all my golf training, but this will go towards some of the entries.

"I hope that you may be able to help me with small donations or sponsorship to assist with my golfing journey. Every little bit helps! With the cost of fuel, hotel cost and entry fees, I'm trying to raise as much as I can to allow me to see how far I can get in what I hope will be my job one day."

If anyone would like to help Zac reach his dream career, call his mum, Amy, on 07983 404800.