A shocked Sam Round was handed a place in the Ladies' English Open after winning the Oxfordshire Ladies' Championship.

Round had no idea that the reward for regaining her county crown at The Oxfordshire would be competing with some of Europe's best players at the same course.

But the 22-year-old Tadmarton Heath member, who beat Oxford Ladies' Tilly Holder in the final, admits she will now have to practice very hard before teeing off on July 4.

Round said: "I was absolutely speechless and it's not often that happens.

"I have always dreamed of playing in a professional event and to realise that dream is going to be a special day."

The one-handicapper from Banbury is studying marketing management at the University of Gloucestershire in Cheltenham where she finishes next month.

She also won the Oxfordshire title in 2006 and has captained the English Universities golf team, but this is definitely her big break.

Round said: "I'm going to have to start playing better.

"I was absolutely stunned when I heard the news. But it is beginning to sink in now.

"I am delighted to have been given such a huge opportunity.

"It is a very daunting thought that I will next be playing alongside the biggest names in European golf, but I'm looking forward to the challenge.

"It will be fantastic to experience the atmosphere of a professional event and to see how the top professionals approach the game.

"I have played in front of crowds before at the county championship, but the LEO will be like nothing I have ever experienced.

"I've no doubt I will be nervous, but that is normal.

"To make the cut would be a dream, but putting together a good round of golf and enjoying the experience will be the main thing."

The Oxfordshire have placed all their facilities at the disposal of Round in the run-up to the event.

General manager Martin Harris said: "We are delighted to have the Ladies' English Open here at The Oxfordshire.

"And it is even better that we are able to make the dreams of a talented local amateur golfer come true at the same time."