Trust supports a bright future for Grace with double bursary
Grace Bowen from Droitwich Golf Club is a scratch golfer studying Mathematics at Stirling University – but struggles to pay for the sport she loves.
“Thanks to receiving a three-year England Golf Bursary and an Angela Uzielli Bursary from the Trust, I can continue my golfing journey alongside academic work,” said Grace.
“I have used the money to cover entry fees and hotel and travel costs for my events at home and at University, which has allowed me to continue playing the Student Tour Series abroad which has been amazing!”
Grace has also been diagnosed with the complex health conditions narcolepsy and cataplexy. This makes daily life a challenge because she struggles to stay awake. She has also had her driving license suspended because of her health challenges, which means the costs of travelling to her golf club has hugely increased.
Moira Page, Chair of the Trust, said: ‘We felt Grace needed our support because of the combination of her elite golfing ability, her health conditions, and her academic prowess, and the Trust felt she was worthy of a double bursary.”
Grace said the money had made huge difference, explaining: “I’m extremely grateful because it means I have been able to play in so many more events across Europe and go on the Winter Training Camp with Stirling University to Al Ain.
“My handicap has been maintained at +1 which I am very happy with! I have been more comfortable shooting under par. I made two Top 10s in the Student Tour Series and finished in 5th place in Ireland. The highlight of my year was runner-up in the English Women’s Amateur Championship at Royal Liverpool.”
Grace plays up to six times a week at both her university and Droitwich Golf Club, her home club in Worcestershire. She also tries to play once a week with her dad who introduced her to the sport when she was eight.
She loves playing golf at Sterling University because it brings lots of experience in playing competitions. This year Grace’s university took part in the Student Tour Series across Europe which offers overseas training camps.
She intends to continue working on her game, aiming to reduce her handicap to +3 over the next year and have a top-10 finish in a national event, a win in a 36-hole ladies’ open, and a top-3 in a Student Tour Series event.
“Despite the health and financial obstacles, I remain fully committed to excelling as a golfer and achieving my full potential. My dedication to both my sport and my studies remains unwavering, as I work towards a first-class degree in Mathematics at Stirling University,’ added Grace.
“Golf means everything to me. I’ve made so many friends and travelled so much. I couldn’t imagine my life without golf.”
