A TEENAGE golfer with autism has received a donation from a national charity to help further his career in the sport.

Bobby David, from Ascot, whose talent for golf has enabled him to socialise and exercise for the first time, has also inspired a celebrity golf event in Loch Lomond.

Mr David – who plays with a handicap of 22 – has autism, development delay and hypermobility.

After a trip to a driving range with his dad, Bobby’s game developed thanks to support from the local golf union and disabled coaching.

Now, the Enable Sport programme – run by national charity Caudwell Children – has stepped in to provide Bobby with a motor-caddy and GPS watch to aid his concentration and further his development in the game.

Katrina David, Bobby’s mother, said: “I wouldn’t have expected him to have the ability to play golf but he just loves it and loves spending time on the course.

“He’s learning lots of important social skills as well, the sport has given him a lot of independence.

“He goes to the range with a couple of friends, and it encourages him to speak to other adults, and he has certainly grown up more since starting golf.

“I hadn’t heard of disabled golf and it certainly helps his development with the various skills challenges.”

The Caudwell Children provide family support services, equipment, treatment and therapies for disabled children and their families across the UK. Its ‘Enable Sport’ programme provides specialist equipment to enable young talented disabled athletes to reach their full potential.

The cost of specialist equipment can often be a major barrier to disabled people engaging in competitive sport due to the additional cost that managing their disability can incur.

Trudi Beswick, Chief Executive at Caudwell Children, said: “Through donations such as this we are providing young people with the opportunity to follow their dreams.”

Team places at the 2015 Caudwell Children Celebrity Golf Classic are still available, taking place on September 24th & 25th.

Packages include luxury hospitality at the five star Cameron House Hotel, two rounds of golf on the 18 hole Carrick Golf Course and a gala dinner. For more information call 01782 600112 or email events@caudwellchildren.com.