Kate Bibby aged 14, from Ross-on-Wye Golf Club, competed in and won the West of England Under 18’s Girls Amateur Open played at Burnham and Berrow Golf Club in Somerset on August 22nd.

The event is a top junior event in the UK and is played at a very tough course, attracting 66 competitors.

Kate, playing in the event for the first time, took to the course and conditions well. Shooting 1 over in the first round, and then level par in the second round, this placed Kate in second and two shots behind the leader.

Kate said: “After the second round I was starting to feel really good out there and fancied my chances going into round three. I really enjoy the pressure, especially when it gets close.”

Kate certainly rose to the challenge and scored 3 under par on the final round. This had Kate at the top of the leader board, winning the event by five strokes from her nearest rival.

Tim Hall, Kate’s coach at Ross Golf Club, commented: “Kate stayed very focused out there and really dug deep, especially when she scored a quadruple bogey in the second round and still managed to finish the round level par. Kate has shown her determination this summer and has come through some tough situations, so we are all really happy for her to get this great win under her belt.”

Oli Leet, Kate’s putting coach, also chimed in saying: “It’s been a long summer for Kate and she has really made some great progress on her game, especially her putting, and it’s paid real dividends, as it was her putting that really helped Kate down the stretch to put in a great final round.”

Kate has now earned a Ladies World Amateur Golf Ranking, and is hoping to really improve on this over the winter back in Dubai. She has also been invited to the Thailand Ladies Open in October played in Bangkok.

Kate was also part of the successful Ross Golf Club Ladies A team this summer and going into the last match of the season, hopes to win Division 1 for the first time in many years.

Kate said: “This summer has been not only very positive in gaining my Ladies world ranking, but also a lot of fun, especially being part of the Ross Ladies team has been great, and they have been so supportive of my golf and making me feel part of the team, even though I’m 14. Hopefully we can win the title this year.”