Award-winning Mollin has role in PGA history

Leading Jersey golfer Alex Mollin has played her part in PGA history as women took all three main honours for the first time at the PGA Graduation ceremony.

The 34-year-old assistant professional at Les Mielles, received The Lord Derby Trophy and £1,000 after coming top of the pile amongst her second year peers on the three-year PGA Foundation Degree in Professional Golf.

Mollin, who captured the Rookie of the Year title 12 months ago, saw that honour go to Louise Davis of North Wales, with Sarah Walton of Lytham in Lancashire, being named Titleist Assistant of the Year - in the first ever all-female winning trio.

The Channel Islander collected her trophy from Lord Derby and BBC TV newsreader and golf enthusiast Naga Munchetty, who was the guest of honour at the ceremony held at the University of Birmingham.

Mollin, who is poised to finish her studies, said: "I am really happy to have achieved coming top two years in a row. It has been a lot of hard work but it has been worth it.

"Picking up the rookie award was massive motivation and gave me a lot of confidence to push on and try and remain at the top. I don't know whether I can achieve it three years in a row, all I can do is it give it my best shot.

"Coming top twice has not altered what I do on a day-to-day-basis, but I am sure it will have some bearing on my career in the future."

On being a part of history as three women took top spot, she added, "It's great for golf and women's golf in what is a still a male dominated sport, in so many ways. This is a significant day for women's golf."

Mollin had a successful year away from her studies organising a very successful pro-am on the island, which will again be staged this year.

"I was really happy with the event which was well received by the players and the sponsors, who have agreed to double their financial support.

"Living on the island, I am always travelling to events and this was an opportunity to put something on for the local golf professionals and amateurs and it looks like growing this year."