Angela Uzielli Bursary supports Tilly whilst studying Psychology at University of Hertfordshire
When she headed to university, Tilly O’Leary worried the extra costs involved in playing golf might curtail her ambition to improve.
Thanks to an three year Angela Uzielli Bursary from the Trust, Tilly was able to continue playing and become president of the university golf team whilst studying Psychology at the University of Hertfordshire.
Tilly used her bursary to help pay for golf equipment, competition entries, accommodation and travel costs.
‘It has also paid for my golf membership at Essendon Golf Club where Hertfordshire University Train. I represent my university in the golf team which is mixed and plays competitively every week.’
‘This has allowed me to meet new people and play in new teams like the Ladies scratch team for Essendon as well as doing pair competitions, like foursomes, with others. Last week, I represented Essendon with a fellow University of Hertfordshire team member – part of a team of four that won the Ladies Scratch Team foursomes for Hertfordshire county.’
‘It has also enabled me to continue to play at my away club Wanstead – which is important as it’s close to where I live when I’m not at university. The bursary has helped enormously by assisting with golf and University accommodation costs that would otherwise be unaffordable on Student Finance.’
Tilly’s uncle introduced her to golf. At the time she was into martial arts and dancing, but soon gave these up to concentrate on the sport she loved most – golf.
She has been playing for five years and says she has a passion for the game which has helped build her confidence and have a great social circle. ‘Playing golf means a lot to me. I feel like it’s helped build my self-confidence over the years and I have a real passion for playing. It has helped me make new friends and makes me happy whether I’m playing in an individual or team competition.’
She began by chipping the ball in the garden with her uncle, then went to the driving range and eventually a golf course. She started playing competitively at 14, representing Wanstead as a Junior and Essex Ladies and now plays off
‘I want golf to remain a part of my life for many years to come. Once I have graduated I would like to specialise in a Sports Psychology – or work in the field of sports coaching. I would love to help others build up their mental game in golf or any other sports. ‘
