A SCHOOLGIRL has become the youngest ever winner of the Ladies Club Championship at Crewe Golf Club.

Jamie Hand, 13, took up golf four years ago and is keen to play and practice whenever she can, which includes the club's Junior Academy run by Vic McCandless.

A pupil at Brine Leas High School in Nantwich, Jamie plays off a handicap of 18 and posted a nett 74 on Day 1 of the 36-hole event.

That left her in 7th place but just two shots off the lead which was held overnight by another junior, Josie Cowap, aged 15, who shot a nett 72.

In blustery conditions on the second day of competition, Jamie scored an impressive nett 67 which included seven pars and a birdie on the 294 yard 6th hole.

With an total score of 141 nett on the par 73 course, Jamie finished three shots clear of nearest rival Josie which left both junior players 1st and 2nd, followed by Rachel Mathews in 3rd place on 149. Rachel also shot the lowest gross score of the event.

Lady Captain, Kay Samson, said: "It's a fantastic achievement for Jamie to win the Club Championship at such a young age.

"The Ladies section of the club is very competitive with approximately 80 members, so clearly the adage of 'if they are good enough, they are old enough' is very true for our young lady golfers."

Jamie's handicap was cut to 16 after her win, and has now fallen again to 13 with her target of 10 or 11 in sight by the end of the season as she follows her dream to one day play on the Ladies PGA tour.

Jamie says that her biggest golfing strength is her driving and cites Tiger Woods and English golfer Charlie Hull as her favourite players.

For Crewe Golf Club membership enquires contact Hayley Taylor on 01270 584099.