Ten-year-old Lauren Harkness has only been playing golf for a year but she’s already had her hands on the Ryder Cup – and picked up a tip or two from Colin Montgomerie.
She met the golfing superstar after her club, Poulton le Fylde in Lancashire, put her forward to join a special HSBC Wee Wonders coaching day.
Lauren was one of 13 youngsters who met Montgomerie at Wentworth and spent time with him on the putting green and driving range, learning new skills and sharing his knowledge of the game.
Montgomerie – who brought the Ryder Cup with him – complimented Lauren on her natural swing and has inspired her to practice even harder than before.
Her mum, Heather, laughed: “She’s costing me a fortune, going to the driving range to practice!
“Colin was so positive with the children and gave them all some valuable points. He also acknowledged to Lauren that girls have an important part to play in golf.”
Lauren, who has already worked her way to a 31-handicap in her first year of golf, is working towards her second appearance in the Wee Wonders competition.
Her coach, Sharon Brookes, loves Lauren’s attitude. “She’s very pro-active in the club and supports everything. She’ll always have a go at competitions, she turned up for lessons right through the winter, when it was really bitter, and she’ll always help when we’re organising events.”
Lyndsey Hewison
Press & PR Officer
Tel. 01603 507 416
Email: [email protected]
Visit our web site at www.englishladiesgolf.org
2007-05-23