Mum's the word for PGA Rookie of the Year Davis

An aspiring golf professional, who sat her PGA exams while seven months pregnant has double cause for celebration having been named PGA Rookie of the Year.

Former Curtis Cup player and Wales amateur Louise Davis, who is now a proud mother of eight-month-old baby daughter Caitlin, has admitted her complete surprise at her success as she helped make PGA history with women taking all three main honours in the Titleist PGA Assistant of the Year awards for the first time.

The 35-year-old, who is based at North Wales Golf Club in Llandudno, was recognised for her achievements in the first year of the three-year PGA Foundation Degree in Professional Golf. Davis also came top of her year in the coaching exams - earning her an additional prize from PGA Official Supplier GASP Systems.

Also top of the pile for their success were Jersey-based Alex Mollin, who won the Second Year title and Lytham's Sarah Walton, who was name Titleist PGA Assistant of the Year.

Davis, who took up the game when she was nine, was presented with the Major John Bywaters Trophy and a cheque for £1,000 by BBC TV newsreader and golf enthusiast Naga Munchetty, who was the guest of honour at the PGA Graduation Ceremony held at the University of Birmingham.

Prior to embarking on the three-year course, Davis had a varied career after completing a four-year degree at the University of North Arizona. She worked for two years as a primary school teacher, before combining playing Tour events with working for Golf Development Wales. More recently she was working as a development officer for the Youth Sport Trust alongside Olympic and Paralympic sport stars.

"I worked closely with The PGA when I was with Golf Development Wales and eventually I decided to join," said Davis, whose partner Vaughan is in the RAF.

"I fell pregnant not long after starting the first year and it's fair to say that it was hard work. I sat the exams with this big belly and I am sure everyone was praying I didn't give birth there and then!

"So I have to admit it was a surprise as I felt I just about managed to get through it. It's a real honour to have got this and I am proud of having achieved it."

Davis has been on maternity leave since last June and has juggled motherhood with her studies, being a role model for other women working in golf.

On being a part of PGA history as three women took top spot, she added: "It's fantastic for the game and for women in the sport. We're in a pretty unique position and lucky that after qualifying there should be opportunities for us to progress our careers.

"Golf is still mainly a man's world but seeing three women coming top in these awards just adds further credibility."