Leading lady set for Little Aston test

A PGA Professional who is flying the flag for ladies’ golf is out to prove her playing skills are still up to scratch.

Karen Heywood became the first female head PGA Professional in Lancashire 12 months ago when she took up the role at Brookdale Golf Club in Oldham.

Now she is set to follow up on her big year by taking to the fairways of Little Aston in Sutton Coldfield for the pre-qualifier of the Womens’ PGA Professional Championship on May 11.

There she will be among a competitive field including former champions Tracy Loveys, Alexandra Keighley and Lucy Williams – the latter coming in on the back of an appearance in the Womens’ US Open last year.

Should Heywood finish among the leaders she will claim a place in the £5,000 championship final at Burnham and Berrow in Somerset on June 2-5.

As well as her role at the club, the former elite-level amateur also coaches the Lancashire girls’ squad and has a young family of her own.

As a result playing opportunities have become somewhat restricted.

But Heywood, who worked as a retail assistant to fund her golf before turning pro, is keen to prove that she can still mix it with the best.

“I have to admit I am feeling a little bit nervous as I haven’t had too much chance to play this last year or so,” she said.

“But I have been out getting some practice in and I’ve been feeling pretty good – as is often the case in golf, it’ll probably come down to my short game.

“Even though my move here has reduced my playing time, it’s the best move I have ever made.

“Playing was my main focus for 16 years, but this has given me something different to think about and work towards.

“It involves long hours and hard work but I love every minute of it.”

Heywood is so passionate about her new role that she is already plotting the next step in her journey.

“I’m looking at the director of golf qualification,” she admitted. “I think that could be the next step for me.

“I’d love to be able to do that here, further myself and my own knowledge and progress my career.”

Matthew Johnson, Titleist brand director, said: “We are really excited to be sponsoring a tournament that sits at the pinnacle of The PGA schedule, providing PGA Professionals with the opportunity to demonstrate their skills at the highest level.

“This year marks the first in a new four year partnership between Titleist and The PGA. It is a relationship we are proud to expand in order to help serious golfers of all abilities, from competitive club-based professionals to club golfers, shoot their best scores.

“We look forward to meeting competitors at the regional qualifiers and the final at the magnificent Burnham and Berrow in June and wish everyone taking part the very best of luck.”

Other players competing in the pre-qualifier at Little Aston include: Sarah Carty (K Club), Keely Chiericato (Manston), Katy Edwards (Alice Springs), Victoria Harris (Buckinghamshire), Alison Johns (Woodhall Spa), Beverley New (Lansdown) and Anna Smith (London).