Rebecca inspired by super Ellie
Oct 9 2008 by Golf North East
YOUNG County Durham player Rebecca Horner has set her sights on a glittering golf career.
The 13-year-old from Shildon was the highest placed North East player at the recent England Girls Championship at Ramside Hall where she was 12th.
Rebecca, a member at Woodham near Newton Aycliffe, has represented Durham County girls this season and is also in the England birdie squad.
The youngster is coached by renowned North East professional Ralph Givens, who is head pro at Stressholme in Darlington.
Ralph's daughter Ellie is one of the top amateur women in the country and has just started her second year on a golfing scholarship in the US.
Rebecca said: "Ellie is a real inspiration for me. She's achieved an enormous amount already. I'd like to follow in her footsteps if I can, which would mean that I have to keep on working hard and improving. Hopefully, I'll then get the chance to go to the US as well. Long-term I'd like to be a playing professional - that would be great."
Hard work is certainly the key but Rebecca is more than happy to put in the hours of practice required.
After taking up the game at the age of eight under the watchful eye of dad David, who is a 16 handicapper, Rebecca spent her first year just hitting balls on the range. She finally went out on to the course at Oakleaf after coaching from head pro Ernie Wilson and over the next couple of years saw her handicap drop from 54 to the low 20s.
Both she and David moved to Woodham two years ago and though she has only been with Ralph for a year, she's already seen her handicap tumble further, from 20 to just 9.
Mum Elizabeth said: "Ralph has been fantastic for Rebecca. She's not only reduced her handicap at a remarkable rate but she's had a great summer with some brilliant results."
She has won numerous events in recent months and also started to play in senior ladies events, reaching the quarterfinals of the Durham County Championship at bishop Auckland and doing well at the Northern Ladies Closed at Seaton Carew.
She's also seen victory with her junior playing partner, 6 handicapper Steven Burn, and senior partner Rob Jones, who plays off 11. Both Steven and Rob are also members at Woodham.
Rebecca has just joined Cleveland GC at Redcar to gain experience on the links and hopes to be re-selected for the England birdies, which would mean more coaching with Wilton head professional Pat Smillie.
Rebecca already has her eyes fixed on her first big event of 2009, the Scottish Open at Cragielaw near Edinburgh.
Mum Elizabeth added: "Rebecca is very committed to her golf and we just support her as much as we can. She's made big strides this year and is growing all the time. She's already 5ft 8in tall and wearing men's size 9 shoes. The new clubs she had last year have already had to be lengthened."
