Back in April, Samantha Round won our County Championship and received a very special invitation from Martin Harris at The Oxfordshire to play in the Ladies English Open last week. After finishing her degree, Sam got stuck into playing some great golf leading up to the tournament. Day one of the tournament will be a day I’m sure Sam will never forget. She had an amazing first day with clearly the biggest crowd watching her every shot. Coping with incredible nerves, she shot a round of two over par 74, putting her in a fabulous position for day two. Day two’s weather was horrendous. The course played completely different to that of the previous day and many scores shot up. Sam got off to a great start, but then started to drop a few shot towards the end of the front nine. The back nine was just as difficult, and even after shooting ten over par for the day, it was a very respectful score. Unfortunately she just missed out on the cut for Sunday’s last round, but spent day three assisting BBC Oxford in the commentary of the final round.

Sam coped so well with the pressure, attention, media interest and all the hopes of every supporter that came along to cheer her on. I'm so proud of her performance in her first European Tour Event and I'm sure it's provided her with huge confidence in knowing that she can compete at this level. She is a true professional and her behaviour and attitude is a great example to all young amateur golfers hoping to make it to the next level.