West Byfleet Golf Club have awarded their first Dame Laura Davies Girls Scholarship to Kelsey Newport aged 14 from Woking. The club wish to award further scholarships in the New Year and applications are now invited from girls who can already play golf who wish to progress in the sport.

Former World No 1 Dame Laura, who was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame at St Andrews this July  has given her personal backing to the scholarships where she honed her skills before turning professional.

“I’m proud and delighted to back what is a fantastic opportunity for girls at West Byfleet Golf Club. I have so many great memories of the wonderful support I received from so many members and friends of the club when I was starting out on my way, some of whom I’m still in regular contact with. I’m sure these scholarships will help generate interest in our great sport. I wish the lucky recipients every success – I know I’d have jumped at the chance to take part!”

Kelsey was awarded the scholarship on completion of West Byfleet Golf Club’s development scheme for juniors, the Woodpecker Academy.

“Kelsey was very promising in terms of ability and commitment and we felt she should
be encouraged to continue her development”

said West Byfleet’s Junior Organiser Mrs Fui Ling Bolton. Kelsey was awarded full junior membership of the club, unlimited access to practice, free range balls and specialised one to one coaching from Assistant Professional Jon Field.

Kelsey’s mother Melanie, who was a competitive golfer in South Africa, encouraged Kelsey to learn to play and felt that West Byfleet’s Woodpecker Academy would give her a full grounding in the game. She made such good progress that she was awarded the first scholarship. Mrs Newport says:

“Kelsey’s game is improving all the time and Jon is a fabulous teacher.
Her goal is to play more consistently and translate good shots into better scores and get
her handicap down”.

West Byfleet Golf Club would love to hear from girls aged between 11-16 on 1 January 2015 who would be interested in being considered for one of the Dame Laura Davies Girls Scholarships next year. The next Woodpecker Academy starts on Sunday January 10 12-1pm cost £55 for 18 sessions of coaching and unlimited practice.

Further details are available by e- mail membership@wbgc.co.uk or telephoning 01932 343433 option 6