TEENAGER Freddie Titcombe was delighted after being selected to represent South West U16s following a gruelling two-day selection process at Cumberwell Park.

The 15-year-old was chosen by England Golf coach John Jacobs, who is also his county coach, along with six other boys his age from a total of six different counties.

Titcombe aims to following the footsteps of Danny Willet, as well as Wiltshire’s European Tour professionals Jordan Smith and David Howell.

The teenager, who lives in Old Town, says it’s encouraging to know his budding golf career is on the right track as he aims to follow in the footsteps of two-time Ryder Cup winner Howell. “I feel like it is another step to a career in golf,” said Titcombe, who has a handicap of three.

“David Howell plays at my home club (Broome Manor) and it is good for me to know that he’s gone from where I am playing from.

“He played at South West level, went on to the European Tour and got up to world number eight at one stage.

“I started playing golf when I was six years old, so it’s been quite a few years now.”

The youngster’s progress has largely been attributed to weekly sessions with fitness and conditioning coach Chic Carvell, in addition to working with sport psychologist Sarah Carvell.

His inclusion in the squad rounds off a fantastic season for the Commonweal schoolboy, who claimed victory in the Total Triumph Classic in June.