CHARLIE DOUGLASS TURNS PROFESSIONAL

NEWS RELEASE ISSUED BY THE ENGLISH WOMEN'S GOLF ASSOCIATION
Leading England golfer Charlie Douglass (pictured by Cal Carson Agency) has left amateur ranks to pursue her ambition of becoming a world class player – and she’s made a quick start.
Left-hander Charlie, 21, turned pro just before last week’s pre-qualifying stage for the Ladies European Tour School and she came safely through the 72-hole test at the La Manga Club, Spain. Her next challenge starts on December 15 when she tees up in the final stage, aiming to be one of the top 30 players who will earn full playing rights for 2011.
Among the others to qualify for the final stage are former Curtis Cup player Rachel Jennings (Izaak Walton), who turned professional earlier this season, and Somerset amateur Hannah Grant (Enmore Park).
Charlie, who is based at Brocket Hall, Hertfordshire, has enjoyed a long and highly successful amateur career. Last year she was both English champion and England number one and she’s been a regular member of the national team. This season, as well as her international duties, she also helped Hertfordshire win the English counties’ championship for the first time. But now, she’s decided it’s time for the challenges of the professional world.
“I made this decision because I feel it is time to move a step closer to my dream of being a world class golfer. Having achieved so much at amateur level, it would be easy for me to believe the transition into professional golf would be an easy one, but I am under no illusions that I am starting at the bottom of a mountain, but it is a mountain that I am determined to climb.
“I thoroughly enjoyed my time playing amateur golf. Winning the English Championship and being ranked number one in the country in 2009 was a huge honour, but I personally considered being picked to play for England the pinnacle of my career. To represent my country was an absolute privilege; playing in teams with not only great golfers but great friends too. I take away many happy memories and I would like to take this opportunity to thank all my team mates and team captains over the years.
“I will be forever grateful to EWGA and Sport England for the training and funding I have received over the past seven years. Their help and support has meant I could focus all my efforts on becoming the best golfer I can be. So, I would also like to thank the coaches, physiotherapists, psychologists and physiologists that I have had the pleasure of working with: Keith Wood, Pat Smillie, Steve Robinson, Lauren Holder, Julie Sparrow, Lynn Booth, Jamie Edwards, Brian Hemmings, Christian Baker and Clare Pheasey. A special thank you also to EWGA’s Jim Robinson, Claire Lingwood and Linda Bayman for recognising my potential and supporting my dream.
“I would like to thank all of the staff at the EWGA for their superb organisation in the running of tournaments, training, team events, press and the work that goes on behind closed doors that, as a player, is so easy to take for granted.
“Lastly I wish all of the girls and women coming up through the ranks the very best of luck and success with their golfing endeavours, and remember, in the words of Winston Churchill: ‘Success is not final, failure is not fatal; it is the courage to continue that counts.’"
Lyndsey Hewison
Press and PR Officer
EWGA