Golf: Gaudet Luce's Hayden Sarfo is ninth at IMG World Golf Championship finals

Eight-year-old Hayden Sarfo finished ninth in the seven to eight year category at the global tournament in San Diego where he came up against 80 of the best in the world within his age group.

Sarfo, who already plays at Worcestershire level, finished the three-day tournament on three-under-par helped by his older brother Brandon, an England under 16s international, who caddied in the Californian sunshine.

The Gaudet Luce golfer finished nine shots behind the eventual winner Yuma Nemoto from Japan.

Six of this year’s top-10 finishers had played in 2017.

Hayden Sarfo said: “I loved playing in the competition in America and also enjoyed meeting new players and friends from Australia, Brazil, USA, China and the Philippines.

“It was really tough playing in hot weather over the three days but I am pleased to have finished in the top 10 and to have made some great shots.

“My best was the chip in for a birdie on hole three in my final round.

“I have more competitions coming up this year and I hope it is the start of a great golfing summer.”

Following success in the USA and high-placed finishes in tournaments in the UK, his handicap is now 23.6.

This year he will continue to play with Worcestershire under 14s as the youngest member of the squad and in other national events.

Anyone interested in becoming a funding ambassador for the brothers is asked to email funding@sarfogolf.com, call 07976 433254 or visit BrandonandHaydengolf.com.