AN Oxfordshire golfer has been quick to make the most of a golf scholarship in the United States – winning in only her second tournament.
Abi Laker, who represents Frilford Heath, won the Marilynn Smith Sunflower Invitation by a massive eight strokes at Alvamar Golf Course in Lawrence, Kansas.
It gave the 18-year-old a perfect start to her golf scholarship at Arkansas State University (ASU).
Laker opened with a two-over par 74, but bounced back to shoot 69 in the second round – the best 18-hole total in the tournament.
It gave the Witney golfer a three-stroke lead heading into the final round and she went on to increase her advantage.
A largely trouble-free two-under par round of 70 led to a comfortable victory.
Laker said: “My driving (in the final round) worked well, putting me in good positions where I could go for the pins and I hit my irons well, so I managed to get close.”
ASU head coach MJ Desbiens Shaw said: “Abi played really well and was able to minimise her mistakes to put together three good rounds.
“To do that in just her second collegiate tournament I think shows a lot of maturity and is something any coach would be excited to see in a freshman.”
Laker followed it up with another strong performance in her next tournament.
She was again the pick of the ASU team, finishing sixth at the ORU Shootout in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here