by Dan Thurogood

A TEENAGER has won the title of England’s most improved girl golfer – and she says she is not finished yet.

Sophie Wheeler convincingly beat 22 other players to claim the Abraham Trophy at the Royal Cromer Golf Club in Norfolk.

The 13-year-old hotshot finished one shot ahead of Staffordshire’s Georgia Pritchard and Wiltshire’s Laura Curtis to finish with a nett score of one-over par 75 on the north Norfolk coast.

The youngster, from Great Burstead, has been playing the sport since she could pick up a club, inspired by her golf-mad dad Mark.

“It is a great feeling and I am so happy to win,” said Sophie who is a member at Orsett Golf Club.

“I started playing from a young age and it was my dad that got me into golf as he is a big fan of the sport.

“I feel I have been getting better and my new coach Paul (Holland, at Belvedere Golf Range) has been really important for me.

“We have been working really hard on changing my swing and it is loads better now. It is really helpful.

“I have come so far since we starting working together and now I am looking to get my handicap into single figures by the end of the year and I believe I can do it.

“I would love to go to America and try to become a professional,” she added. “It would be an amazing opportunity and such a good experience for me.”

Sophie’s handicap has come down six shots from 17 to 11 this year, a dramatic improvement which earned her a place at the tournament.

Sophie’s mum, Vikki, is over the moon at her daughter’s achievement.

“We are all very proud of Sophie,” she said. “She has worked hard and has done very well.”