CHARLOTTE HEEPS, from Minchinhampton New Course, is one of just seven girls selected for England Golf’s South West U16 regional coaching squad.

Young Wiltshire and Gloucestershire golfers dominate the ten-strong boys' squad with seven representatives: Jamie Amor (Marlborough), James Cooper (Cumberwell Park), Matthew Hibbs (Broome Manor), Harrison Ottley-Woodd (Cotswold Hills), Joshua Phillips (The Players), Nicholas Ramshaw (Thornbury) and James Robinson (Bristol & Clifton).

This is the first rung on the ladder of England Golf’s national coaching structure and the squads will train over the winter months with a mix of group coaching, matches and one-to-one sessions with their coaches.

The boys will work with John Jacobs while the girls will be coached by Scott Godfrey. Their strength and conditioning coach is James Marshall.

“We aim to give our talented young players the best golf development experience available,” commented Nigel Edwards, England Golf’s Performance Director.

“In return, we expect the players to commit themselves to a programme of golf coaching and physical training that will set them up for life.