SOUTHAMPTON golfer Harry Ellis says he needs to trust himself on the course as he continues to make history at the Australian Youth Olympic Festival.

The 17-year-old became one of the first golfers to represent Team GB for more than a century just by simply taking to the greens of Sydney’s Twin Creeks Club on Thursday.

And it could get better still for the Barton Peveril Sixth Form College pupil as his level-par round of 72 has him in the hunt for an individual medal as well as team silverware, with Britain tied for first with hosts Australia.

Meon Valley member Ellis admitted to feeling the nerves as he hit his first historic tee shot but he is adamant he will keep his cool from here on out as he hunts a medal in the searing sun Down Under.

“My opening round was one of those days where it was a ‘stick in there’ round,” said Ellis. “I was two-over until hole four, got a couple back around the middle section to bring myself to two-under and then unfortunately bogeyed the last two holes.

“It was just one of those days where I had to just dig deep, I wasn’t really swinging well but I managed to place a score and I am still in the competition.

“My game plan will stay the same, I’ve got to go out there and just be more confident in my game plan.

“I think I was just a little bit anxious and nervous at times and I need to go out and trust myself. I had some low scores in the practice rounds, so there is definitely a low score to be found.”

Ellis was joined on the greens by West Wellow’s Jack Singh-Brar, who carded a one-over score of 73.

The Hampshire Collegiate School pupil and Brokenhurst Manor member said: “I am not too pleased with my score but we have three more days to go so there is plenty more time left.

“It’s pretty cool that we are the first golfers to represent Team GB in over 100 years, but I would have enjoyed it more if I had played better.”

The British Olympic Association prepares and leads British athletes at the summer, winter and youth Olympic Games. It works in partnership with sport National Governing Bodies to enhance Olympic success and is responsible for championing the Olympic values. www.olympics.org.uk