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School work on a par with stroke play

19/ 5/2005

Golf

SCHOOLGIRL Rachel Connor has moved a 'fairway' to break into the competitive world of professional golf.

The 14-year-old, who attends Our Lady's RC High School, already has a series of titles under her belt.

The daughter of Brian Connor, professional at Manchester Golf Club, Rachel has only been playing the game for four years but already she has her sights set on following in her dad's footsteps.

Playing for England's under 16s team she finished second in the St Leonard's Scottish championship.

She also played well for Lancashire Ladies in a tournament against the Lancashire men, and recently returned from a training trip to Portugal with England's under 18s squad.

Rachel said: "Sometimes it's hard when I don't get to see my friends, but one of them came to caddy for me the other day and said it was a lot different than they thought.

"There is much more to golf than just hitting the ball.

"Whenever I go away I ask for school work to take with me. It's hard, but I've got exams to do as well as play golf."

Rachel is due to finish school next year and hopes to go straight into golf full time. But if things don't work out she hopes to start teaching the sport professionally.

She added: "I started off playing netball, but I think I've made the right choice with golf, and besides there's more money in it."