TOP AWARD FOR TEENAGE STAR LILY MAY

The sensational 2017 season of teenager Lily May Humphreys was recognised last night when she won England Golf's Rising Star Award.

She's just 15 years old but she's definitely one to watch and her achievements were recognised at the England Golf Awards sponsored by Bridgestone.

Around 500 guests gathered at the Royal Lancaster London to celebrate all that's great about golf in England. They applauded Lily May, a member at Stoke by Nayland Golf Club in Essex, who won five championships last season, taking English, British, European and American titles.

Lily, who started playing golf about five years ago, said: "This means such a lot, I didn't know I was in contention for this." And the secret of her success: "I just practice, enjoy myself and make friends."

She was a finalist for the England Golf Performance of the Year Award, alongside Race to Dubai winner Tommy Feetwood; European champion and low amateur at The Open, Alfie Plant; and the England women's team which became European champions for the second year in a row.

The Performance of the Year title went to Fleetwood but the judges also recognised Lily May's achievements.

"It's only a few years since Tommy was playing in our England teams and was dreaming of future successes," said England Golf Performance Director Nigel Edwards. "We want to recognise another player who is starting out on that path in great style and Lily May receives our Rising Star Award."

During 2017 Lily May won the British girls' championship, the European Young Masters, the English women's amateur championship, the Sir Henry Cooper Junior Masters and, on her first to the USA, the Junior Orange Bowl Invitational.

Lily May was presented with her award by Mark Lichtenhein, Chairman of the Ladies European Tour.

Click here to read about all the winners at the England Golf Award