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Golfing girl gets in swing in USA

27/ 1/2005

HOPWOOD golfing sensation Rachel Connor has been in hallowed company for the past two weeks.

The 14-year-old daughter of Manchester Golf Club professional Brian Connor has just returned from Championsgate, the Florida headquarters of the David Leadbetter Academy where she honed her already prodigious golfing skills alongside Nick Dougherty, Ian Poulter and Justin Rose.

Rachel was invited to play at the professional only facilities used by Ernie Els, Nick Price and Michelle Wie among others, by Rookie of the Year Dougherty.

She also received specialist coaching from Leadbetter's right-hand man Sean Hogan, before she and her father played the 7,500 yard course alongside Dougherty, with Rachel again demonstrating her ability by using the men's championship tees.

Brian returned to the colder shores of the UK still awestruck by the experience.

He said: "David Leadbetter gave Rachel permission to use the pro-only site on the recommendation of Nick Dougherty and asked Sean Hogan to spend a few hours with her.

"Leadbetter was flying to Hawaii for a USPGA event.

"As a result we have made some changes to Rachel's swing and she will continue to communicate with the Leadbetter Academy via computer.

"Sean will then take a look at Rachel's swing and make recommendations accordingly."

With just a trace of an American accent Brian summed up the experience in one word "awesome."