Annabel reaches single figures with help from the Trust
A grant from the Trust has helped promising young golfer Annabel Blake, 17, from Royal Norwich, reduce her handicap to single figures.
Only six months after receiving financial support used for lessons and a new golf club, her handicap has dropped from 10.9 to 9.5 and her golf has excelled.
“To become a single-figure golfer was always a goal of mine,” says Annabel.
“I have represented my club, Royal Norwich, in Norfolk Women’s Inter-county Scratch Leagues and Inter-county Knockouts, and in the Junior County Knockout.
“I was also selected for Norfolk County Second Team where I represented the winning team in East Region Second Team Match Days. In this I managed to win both matches I played. This year I also managed to retain the title of Royal Norwich Ladies Club Champion.”
Annabel started playing golf at Royal Norwich Junior Academy when she was seven, introduced by her dad and brother who also play.
“I play casual golf most Saturdays with the ladies at my club. I then try and practise at least once a week as well. In the summer season I play up to four times a week.”
Annabel says golf has also helped boost her confidence. “Playing golf has helped me build maturity and confidence. When I was younger, I had a speech impediment so I was extremely shy.
“But when I started playing with the ladies in my club and then being introduced to club competitions and the county set-up, I was able to meet a variety of people and build my social skills which is important to me.
“I also love working on my game and pushing myself to achieve my goals. Through my golf, I now have a part-time job at a driving range near me, where I have been able to gain expertise in golf and grown my confidence and maturity.”
The promising young player also loves being part of Norfolk Ladies’ Golf. “I am proud to be part of such a great county who always support me.”
Already selected for the county second team, she eventually hopes to be in the first-team. “I really want to be playing off low single figures and hopefully to join a golf team at university so I can meet people and play competitive golf.
“I have met some amazing people through golf and that means the world.”
