A TRIO of Gwent golfers from the University of South Wales have received scholarships to help them drive their careers forward.

Theo Baker, 22, and Mitch Reid, 23, from Newport, and Oliver Mottram, 21, from Caldicot, who are all studying MSc in sports coaching at the University of South Wales (USW), along Delon Hau, 21, from Tonyrefail, who is studying for a degree in business and management, have received the support from the R&A Foundation – which has taken its name from The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, the club that, before 2004, had responsibility for the game.

The R&A Foundation makes awards to universities to assist them with the education and development of talented young golfers during their course of study and to enhance the general standard of university golf.

The group from USW – who are all scratch golfers – will be able to use the scholarship to support them while they study and allow them more time to perfect their game.

Ryan Statton, who manages the golf programme at USW, said: “These young lads are totally committed to their sport – they often practise for up to 30 hours a week – and to their studies, but it can be hard doing both while having to support yourself through university.

“These scholarships – which are administered through USW – allow them to develop their sporting and academic skills without compromising either, which is vital if they are to go on to make golf their profession.

“Making sure that our students are not just the best at their chosen sport, but also able to excel academically, is vital, so they are prepared for an alternative career should they not reach the heights they aspire to.”