A RENFREW schoolboy has raised thousands of pounds for charity after taking on a tough golfing challenge.

Nine-year-old Jensen Basketter braved 6am starts and freezing weather to complete 72 holes in two days at Renfrew Golf Club as part of his efforts to generate £6,495 for Cancer Research UK.

The Kirklandneuk Primary pupil, who only started learning the sport last year, took around three-and-a-half hours to complete each of his four rounds.

His proud dad John told The Gazette: “Having walked round with Jensen and watched every shot he played, he never once complained. He just got on with the challenge.

“He is such an inspirational young person and, as Jensen’s parents, we are so proud of what he has achieved for such a worthy cause.”

Jensen’s mum Fiona contacted a number of professional golfers to ask them to support him.

Among those who responded was Scottish player Ryan ‘The Rhino’

Campbell, who offered to donate a three-ball, playing with him, at the Royal Burgess, in Edinburgh, which is widely recognised as the oldest golf club in the world.

Receiving this pledge from Ryan gave the family the idea to run an auction, which they held virtually throughout October, with support from Renfrew Golf Club’s captain and managing secretary.

Among the pledges it attracted was a three-ball match with Scottish professional Gabrielle MacDonald and a flag from the 145th Open at Royal Troon, signed by American ace Dustin Johnson.

A member of Renfrew Golf Club also donated a framed 18th hole flag signed by US star Jordan Spieth from his win at the Open at Royal Birkdale in 2017.

At the close of the auction, the winning bids amounted to almost £5,000.

To show your support for Jensen’s efforts, make a donation online at fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/jensens-great-golf-challenge-fundraising-page-1.