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Rachel returns with a trophy

24/ 1/2008

MANCHESTER Golf Club’s Rachel Connor returned from sunny Florida on Monday clutching a prestigious trophy.

Even the wet weather which greeted her on her return couldn’t dampen her spirits after winning The First Flight Trophy at Coral Ridge Golf Club in Fort Lauderdale.

Rachel travelled to the United States in November to team up with her coach Roger Dougherty for some warm weather training, and while there played in two tournaments.

In the first, the Sally Amateur at Oceanside Golf Club, Daytona, she wasn’t at her best. After a good start she faded to finish 24th.

But the Hopwood hot-shot came roaring back in the Jones Doherty event to claim a famous win and become the First Flight champion.

Rachel swept aside American Maggie Weder 4 and 3 before beating Curtis Cup player Laura Murray 3 and 1.

In her semi-final she was again in irresistible form to see off Taylor Collins of the United States 4 and 3.

The 17-year-old wasn’t phased when she came up against Kyle Roig of the USA in the final and won by a convincing margin of 4 and 3.

A delighted Rachel was all smiles and said: "My coach came over from Orlando to the Jones Doherty contest, and we worked on a few things.

"I then played really well. I had started the week quite poorly, so I was quite proud to have come back and won."

Rachel will now prepare for a gruelling season in Europe.

She said: "I have got England training in a couple of weeks, in Spain, and straight after that I’ll be playing in the Spanish amateur tournament.

"I've a lot to look forward to, and the main thing is I’m enjoying it."