Williams ready for Pinehurst test

Former AGMS student Lucy Williams has graduated to the highest stage of the golfing ladder as she prepares to make her major debut at the US Women’s Open.

The 24-year-old has, in the short space of three years, gone from reading textbooks at the University of Birmingham to reading the greens of Pinehurst No 2.

Since graduating from the three-year degree, Williams has focused her attentions on playing. Last year she lifted the Glenmuir WPGA Professional Championship title at Slaley Hall, as well as competing on the LETAS Tour – the second tier of the Ladies European Tour – where she secured two top finishes.

Williams, who claimed the notable scalp of Charley Hull to win the English Amateur title, is competing on the LET this year after securing a card at Q-school. Reaching the US Women’s Open, via a sectional international qualifier at The Buckinghamshire, is the pinnacle of her short career to date.

She will tee off on Thursday just before 9am local time and make her major bow alongside fellow debutant and LET player Colombia’s Paula Hurtado and 18-year-old America amateur Hannah Pietila.

At her side will be her mentor and father Dave Williams – a former golf professional – who will be her caddy for the week.

Williams, speaking to BBC Three Counties Radio, said: "It's going to be awesome that I can have my dad there with me.

"He coaches me now and to be able to have him with me is massive, I'd be so much more nervous without him."

Williams has yet to make a cut on Tour this season, but feels confident that her game can cope with the pressures of Pinehurst, while she also confesses that controlling her nerves will be a significant factor to making the most notable cut of the season.

"I feel like my game is in a good place. I just hope I can get rid of the nerves when it comes to the round," she said.

"I'm feeling good about my short game which I think will be a massive thing from what I've heard about Pinehurst.

"If I make the cut in my first major I will be over the moon."

Follow Lucy on Twitter @lucywgolf