Fairway to go but golf starlet has England dream in sights

A Harrogate teenager who took up golf just four years ago and has a handicap of seven has qualified for a second year of coaching at national level – bringing her one step closer to playing for England.

Olivia Jackson, 14, will receive the training until next summer, after successfully qualifying for a place at a test day in York.

In addition to her England coaching, the Ashville College student has changed her coach to Mark Moore, who looks after a number of PGA tour professionals.

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Last month Olivia, who hopes to play off scratch before her fifteenth birthday, made it to the finals of the Ladies Yorkshire Scratch League, in Sheffield, with the Oakdale Golf Club Ladies Scratch Team.

In August, she competed in the Northern Girls’ Championship, held in Durham, finishing second in her age group and having the best net score.

The year 10 pupil has also retained her training spot in the Yorkshire Girls Elite, and last month was awarded her colours having represented Yorkshire for the third time.

Olivia said: “I am delighted to have been accepted for the second year of England coaching. It was a lot tougher this year because there were fewer places available.

“I love golf and it’s fair to say I would live on the golf course if I could.”