Rising star Katherine O'Connor has been awarded a £2,500 scholarship by Welsh-language television channel S4C.

The 17-year-old Frilford Heath and Tadmarton member received the honour at the Ryder Cup Annual Gala Dinner and Awards at the Vale Golf and Spa Resort in Glamorgan.

O'Connor, who lives in Bloxham, represented Wales in the Home Internationals at Frilford in 2007 and was in this year's squad.

As part of her award, O'Connor and male winner Jamie Howie will be given a master class by Ladies European Tour professional Becky Brewerton.

The S4C Golf Scholarship Fund, administered by the Golf Union of Wales, was established by the Channel to encourage young talent to rise through the ranks and become future champions of the sport.

"S4C has a strong commitment to the world of sport and the golf scholarships are a great example of this," said S4C commissioning director Rhian Gibson.

"The scholarships will help bring talented individuals to the fore.

"And along with S4C's other sports activities, will help raise the profile of the game in Wales as the 2010 Ryder Cup approaches."

This year O'Connor was Wales' top points scorer in the Girls Home Internationals and won the Welsh Girls Strokeplay title.

She also won the BB&O Girls title, finished runner-up in the English Schools' Championships after winning the South East regional event and came fifth in the Faldo Series Grand Final.

O'Connor's latest success marks a good autumn for Frilford Heath after Joe Richardson won the BB&O 14 & Under title.

Four handicapper Richardson took the title on countback from Newbury Racecourse's Charlie Butler after a 27-hole total of 113.