Ten of England’s brightest golfing prospects have been named in the girls’ squad for 2022, including Northumberland’s Maggie Whitehead and Rachel Gourley.
Maggie and Rachel are among the four players who have retained their places from last season’s set-up with six newcomers added to the roster.
The Northumberland duo return alongside Patience Rhodes from Somerset and Surrey’s Lottie Woad.
All four enjoyed outstanding wins in 2021. Rachel claimed victory in the Justin Rose Telegraph Junior Golf Championship at Walton Heath and broke the course record at Fulford in The R&A Girls’ Amateur Championship. Meanwhile, Maggie claimed her first national title with victory in the English Girls’ Under 16 Championship at Morecambe GC.
The quartet will form the experienced backbone of the squad which features six newcomers – Buckinghamshire’s Rosie Bee Kim and Olivia Lee, Shropshire’s Isla McDonald O’Brien, Lincolnshire’s Ellise Rymer, Ellen Yates from Surrey, and Nottinghamshire’s Amelia Wan.
Jennifer Henderson, England Golf’s assistant performance manager, said: “We are privileged to work with such a talented group for the 2022 season.
“While the 10 players selected represent a larger squad than previous years, this is testament to the great work going on in our regional network – it’s fantastic to see more and more younger players coming through at a national level.
“As part of the national squad, these players will have access to world-class coaching facilities at Woodhall Spa throughout the year and the opportunity to work with a number of leading coaches.
“Talent development is all about embracing individuality while providing challenging sessions both on and off the course.
“Players can expect technical, psychological, strength and conditioning, nutrition and performance management support.
“With under 18s having perhaps suffered the most in terms of COVID-related disruption, we are looking forward to a year of international competition.
“The European Team Championships, Home Internationals, and World Junior Championships remain our team focus for the year.
“I’m confident this group of players will shine representing England either in these team events or at an individual level in national and international championships.”
