Financial barriers stand in her way
Carys McDonough from Brampton Golf Club in Cumbria is studying at Myerscough College & University for a BTEC National Foundation Diploma in golf studies.
She is a promising young player with big dreams to play for England and a goal to work in the golf industry.
Food, accommodation, and travel costs to college, were proving expensive, so when the chance of going to a winter training camp in Turkey came up, it looked as if she wouldn’t be able to take part.
“My parents have been paying my food and accommodation fees at the college as it is too far from home to travel daily, as well as taking me and collecting each week,” says Carys.
“The bursary from the Trust has meant that I can help pay for my winter training in Turkey with the college, which my parents were going to have to say I could not go on due to costs.”
Since receiving the bursary, her handicap has reduced from 6.5 to 4.1. She said: “I am, as far as everyone is aware, the youngest Ladies Champion in my club. Hopefully, I can retain the title next time.
“I have also used the bursary to enter the college Trackman competitions, the UK tour, and local Lancashire competitions that the college will take us to if we pay for the entry fees.
“I took up golf seriously during Covid, before this my dancing was far more important to me. I was only playing a bit of golf to make my dad proud as it was something we could do together when he came home from military duties.”
She practises every day if she can, as well as taking part in competitive rounds of golf whenever possible. Carys added: “I love the game so much and I love encouraging others to play too, so I help with the juniors when I am free. I have also been the Girls Golf Rocks ambassador for my club.
“Golf is everything I want to do. I know if I don’t make it as a professional, I will work in golf in some way or another. I am hoping to get a scholarship to go to the USA to do my degree and play competitive golf.
“My handicap aim at the start of the year was to get to 4.0. As I am already at 4.1, I have revised it to 3.0, although I would love to be scratch.
“I am trying to set realistic targets. I would love to become my club Ladies Champion again and win some of the tournaments I am playing in. I would also like to continue playing for my county of Cumbria, and I would love to be good enough in the future to play for England. If I don’t try, I can’t achieve my dream!”
