KIRKWOOD GOLF EXCLUSIVE NEWS

NEW BRITISH CHAMPION LAUREN TAYLOR (16) MISSES TWO BIG

GIRLS' EVENTS AT GULLANE TO PLAY IN US WOMEN'S AMATEUR

By COLIN FARQUHARSON (Colin@scottishgolfview.com)

 Rugby-based Lauren Taylor, 16-year-old surprise
winner of the British women's open amateur championship at Royal Portrush GC, Northern Ireland earlier this month, has decided to play in the United States women's open amateur championship at Rhode Island Country Club in early August.

This means she will not be available to play for England in the Girls' Under-18 home internationals (August 3-5 at Gullane 2) followed by the British girls open amateur championship (August 8-12 at Gullane 1).

Her father-caddie Martin said: "Lauren, as winner of the British title, is exempt from playing in the sectional qualifying for the US championship

"It will be her first exposure to the elite Asian and US-based players, so we'll have to wait and see what happens over there.

"It was a very difficult decision to go to the US for the Women's Amateur

and miss the U18 Homes and the GB girls, whic is a shame as Lauren hhas enjoyed both these events in the past.

"Lauren is looking forward to the challenge and she hopes to do herself justice over there - fingers crossed."We all send our best wishes to the GB and I Junior and GB and I Women's teams at Royal Porthcawl to win and keep the winning streak going!"
+The Rhode Island Country Club course was designed by Dornoch-born Donald Ross.