Tilly Holder says playing online poker helped her smash the ladies' course record at Southfield.

The 20-year-old Oxford Ladies member shot a three-under-par 69 during the club's October Medal to beat the previous best by two.

Holder, who lives in Bicester, carded 16 pars, an eagle and a birdie to claim the record from Frilford Heath's Lynda King.

The landmark was the latest chapter in an 18-month golfing career that has seen her handicap plummet from 32 to 2.7.

Holder said: "I was delighted. I didn't start very well, to be honest. On the second I holed my bunker shot for par.

"But then I just seemed to pick it up from there. It was all down the middle, nothing exciting."

She added: "My first 18 holes was in March last year and I needed to sleep for three hours afterwards as I was so tired.

"My dad Larry also plays off three. He has brought me on a lot.

"I hoped to progress well. My goal this year was to get down to three, so I've done pretty well."

Holder, previously a succesful gymnast and trampolinist, has since won 14 competitions and played in county and national events.

She attributes her dramatic progress to hard practice and the coaching of Jamie Ray Herbert at Heathfield Golf Centre.

Holder added: "I gave up work doing company accounts last year and played online poker.

"It was golf during the day and poker at night from April until December.

"I made enough to fund my golf and my lifestyle.

"This year I have gone back to company accounts, which can be very flexible timewise."

Holder is now considering becoming a professional.

She said: "I've go to do a lot more work and I'm going to practise hard this winter.

"I hope to play in all the top amateur events next year.

"If it goes as well as this year, I should be fine."

Holder's rapid improvement has seen her handicap struggle to keep pace with her scoring.

She said: "I've won quite a lot of competitions, but all the ladies have been very nice to me.

"It was so nice to go to a club and be welcomed. That made a big difference."