England internationals Jess Baker and Rosie Belsham have committed to the next steps in their golfing careers by signing up for scholarships in the US.
Gosforth Park Ladies’ Jess and Whitley Bay’s Rosie will start their scholarships in autumn 2020 with Jess committed to joining the University of Central Florida in Orlando and Rosie heading to Baylor University in Waco, Texas.
Jess, who put together a string of top 10s in 2019 and represented England at the European Girls Team Championship, plans to major in psychology while competing for the university’s golf team.
She said: “The facilities at UCF are absolutely amazing. I’ll have access to numerous courses and be able to compete in tournaments across America as well as get the best possible support to gain my degree.
“I hope to pursue a career in golf but I want to make sure I also continue with my studies to keep all my options open. I’m so excited to have this amazing opportunity.”
Meanwhile Rosie – who won the Fairhaven Trophy with a record-breaking score of 23 under-par for four rounds – represented England at the European Girls Team Championship in 2019.
She said: “I’ve always wanted to go to university in America so I’m really excited to be heading to Baylor. It will be a chance to really focus on my golf and compete against some of the best amateurs in the world every week.”
