|
Harriet Lockley is looking forward to representing Wales in the Junior Vagliano Trophy with best young players of Great Britain and Ireland facing the Continent of Europe.
The Wales international is aiming to play her part in turning round a period of European dominance in the Under 16’s event, after a two year period when international competition has been almost impossible for Welsh players.
“I am so, so excited, I can’t wait to be a part of the team and to be playing with and against the best players,” said the Millfield schoolgirl.
“It feels nice, a sign the hard work is finally beginning to pay off. It has been really tough not being able to travel that much to play in the big competitions.
“It really makes you appreciate how much you love golf, we can no longer take everything for granted.”
The Junior Vagliano Trophy will be played in the Netherlands this weekend, following on from Europe’s 14 and a half to nine and a half points win in Royal St George’s, England, two years ago.
Wales players Darcy Harry and Ffion Tynan formed a third of the that GB&I team. This time round the team of six will include three English players and one each from Wales, Scotland and Ireland.
Wales Golf Director of Performance Gillian O’Leary said, “Congratulations to Harriet for what has been a consistent year.
“It has been a difficult eighteen months for all our young player, but we have tried to make the most of the situation and provide as many development opportunities as we can.
“This selection is a reward for the hard work Harriet has been putting in and the performances that has brought.”
Lockley has had a series of top 10 finishes this summer, including the R&A Girls Amateur Championship, the English Girls U16 Amateur Stroke Play and the Welsh Girls Championship.
“I know it will be a very tough competition, the European side is always very strong, so I know it will be difficult,” said the Isle of Wedmore player.
“Some of my friends have played in it, they loved being part of the team and said it was an amazing experience.”
Lockley is looking to draw on her experience last year of mixing with the professionals when playing in the Rose Series, as well as some of the work done through Wales Golf over lockdown.
“It was good to see close up how I can grow as a player, their short game and putting was so good and I have based a lot of my practice round the lessons learned there,” she added.
“As a result my practice has improved, while some of the Zoom sessions organised by Wales Golf with the Welsh professionals have also helped.
“In a way that was something good to come out of lockdown, it made me think more about the sort of golfer you want to be.”
The Junior Vagliano Trophy will be being played at Hilversumsche in the Netherlands from 8-9 October.
|
WHS LOGIN