Parfect boost as duo get the England call
TEN of England’s brightest golfing prospects - including two from the North East - have been named in the national girls’ squad for 2022.
Four players retain their places from last season’s set-up with six newcomers added to the roster.
Northumberland duo Rachel Gourley and Maggie Whitehead, Patience Rhodes from Somerset and Surrey’s Lottie Woad are back to train at a national level for another season.
All four enjoyed outstanding wins in 2021.
Gourley, 17, claimed victory by just one shot in the Justin Rose Telegraph Junior Golf Championship at Walton Heath GC.
The Arcot Hall GC player also broke the course record at Fulford GC in The R and A Girls’ Amateur Championship.
Whitehead, 15 and a member of Close House GC, claimed her first national title with victory in the English Girls’ Under-16 Championship at Morecambe GC.
She carded rounds of 74 and 70 on the final day to finish on seven under par.
The Northumberland prospect finished an impressive nine shots ahead of the field in the 72-hole strokeplay event.
In addition to individual successes, three of the squad (Whitehead, Rosie Bee Kim and Ellen Yates) represented GB and Ireland at the Junior Vagliano Trophy.
Jennifer Henderson, England Golf’s assistant performance manager, said: “We are privileged to work with such a talented group for the 2022 season.
“While the 10 players selected represent a larger squad than previous years, this is testament to the great work going on in our regional network.
“It is fantastic to see more and more younger players coming through at a national level.
“As part of the national squad, these players will have access to world-class coaching facilities at Woodhall Spa throughout the year and the opportunity to work with a number of leading coaches.
“Talent development is all about embracing individuality while providing challenging sessions both on and off the course.
“Players can expect technical, psychological, strength and conditioning, nutrition and performance management support. With the under-18s having perhaps suffered the most in terms of Covid-related disruption, we are looking forward to a year of international competition.
“The European Team Championships, Home Internationals, and World Junior Championships remain our team focus for the year.
“I am confident this group of players will shine representing England in these team events or at an individual level in national and international championships.”