'˜Undiscovered' Morley golfer closes in on World Championships

Rebecca O’Grady, 36, of Tingley, was browsing in her local American Golf store when she spotted a promotion for the chain’s sponsored British heat of the event.

The lady captain at Howley Hall Golf Club, who plays off a handicap of four, produced some powerful hitting to win the first round and a spot in the regional final, where she took the women’s title.

She will now compete with 10 other golfers, including last year’s champion, on a course in Cheshire to secure a qualifying spot for the global showpiece event in Oklahoma.

The UK final will be filmed by Sky Sports and spectators are welcome to attend the event for free.

Lucky Rebecca, who works for West Yorkshire Police, also received a GPS watch from sponsors Garmin as a prize for winning the regional heat.

American Golf’s director of marketing Daniel Gathercole said:

“We’ve had over 1,000 people take part in the Long Drive Championship for the second year running and the standard has been incredible. We were the first Long Drive event that Rebecca McGinley, our ladies’ champion from last year, ever took part in and she has gone on to become third best in the world. Having seen the talent on display this year we’re really excited to see if anyone can match or even better her achievements.”

There are also open and senior categories being contested in the UK final. The nationwide golf supplies chain also runs nine-hole and junior competitions for customers, which are free to enter.