Woodcock seals first professional win at Dunham Forest

First year assistant professional Rachel Woodcock finished joint top of the leaderboard in the second round of the WPGA One Day series at Dunham Forest Golf Club.            

And the Lincolnshire-based Belton Park Golf Club 26-year-old is now well placed to challenge for the Order of Merit title as she plans to take part in all of the remaining events in this year’s series.

Woodcock began her PGA training last year after deciding to switch from a potential career as a probation officer after gaining a degree in criminology.

After recording a 10^th place finish in the opening round at Little Aston, Woodcock produced a two-under-par round of 70 at the Cheshire venue.

She tied for the top spot with Ali Gray (Ormskirk Golf Club) and they were two shots ahead of their nearest challengers Abbie Cowlard (Reddish Vale Golf Club), Alison Nicholas (Beau Desert Golf Club) and Marie Martindale (Motocaddy Limited).

After winning the opening event, Nicholas finished joint third on this occasion.

“I was surprised after the way Alison played at Little Aston,” said Woodcock.

“But it was great to get the win and I want to try and make a name for myself this year after turning professional. 

“I want to play in all the events this year, my mum’s caddying for me and we think we can get to all of them.”

Woodcock admitted a career in golf was a spur of the moment choice even though she has been playing since she was nine.

“Both my mum and dad play so that’s how I got into the game,” she added.

“But I had a degree in criminology and that’s the direction I was heading in, but you’re not guaranteed to get where you want to and I decided to do the PGA course.

“I’ve taken my first year exams and want to do coaching but I aim to play events like this as well.”