Golf: Girl with Heeps of talent is selected by England (From Gazette Series)

Talented young golfer Charlotte Heeps is called up to England youth squad

12:00pm Friday 9th November 2012 in Thornbury Sport

A TEENAGER who was told she had a good swing when trying golf for the first time at a Stinchcombe Hill taster session three years ago has been called up to an England youth squad.

Charlotte Heeps, who is now a member of Thornbury Golf Club, attended her first training session with the national Birdies Year 1 squad in Bournemouth on Sunday and is hoping to progress through the junior ranks before making the step up to the professional game.

The 13-year-old from Berkeley, who plays off a handicap of 12, was selected after showing off her skills at a recent trial.

It all started for the Rednock School pupil when she impressed Stinchcombe Hill coaches during the session that was arranged in connection with Sharpness Primary School, and Heeps enjoyed it so much that she began attending their summer sessions for juniors on Sunday afternoons.

Her mum Nicky Heeps said: “They said she had a natural swing. I don’t know where she gets it from because nobody in the family plays.

“Her ambition now is to play golf professionally.”

Stinchcombe Hill club professional Paul Bushell recalled how Heeps caught his eye straight away and hopes her success can encourage more youngsters to take up golf.

He said: “She showed that she had promise and ever since then she’s worked very hard.

“It’s surprising what talent can come out if people give sport a try for the first time.”