A TALENTED young golfer from Lexden will do battle with some of the world’s most talented young golfers when he takes part in the US Kids Golf World Championship.

Cai James will represent the under-12 Great Britain and Ireland team at next month’s prestigious event, which takes place at the renowned Pinehurst Resort.

The three-day tournament attracts more than 1,200 participants from over 30 countries and is the world’s largest golf competition for players 12 and under.

And the Philip Morant School pupil says he cannot wait to tee off.

Cai said: “It’s a big event and I’m looking forward to it.

“I’m excited about it and nervous at the same time.

“I’m not expecting anything, I just want to go out there and do as well as I can.

“The venue is the biggest I’ll have ever played at and it will be a great experience.

“I have never played in a tournament like this abroad before and I’ll be playing against golfers from all over the world.”

Cai, 12, booked his place at the championship after progressing through regional qualifying and then finishing third in the Wee Wonders National Final, at St Andrews.

The Year 7 pupil shot 83 on the first day and then followed that up with a 71, to clinch his place in the Great Britain and Ireland squad.

Cai, who plays regularly at Colchester Golf Club and also has county coaching at the Warren GC, has been a regular representative of Essex’s junior sides.

The U.S. Kids Golf World Championship, which will be played in a scratch strokeplay format with no handicaps, starts on August 1.