LAURA Keogh is flying the flag for girls' golf in Vale Royal.

The 17-year-old became the first champion of the Millennium Junior Golf Club at Knights Grange last week.

She shot a gross 77 to take the title, and also shared the Best Gross Trophy in a storming end to the club's debut season.

In the club championship, Order of Merit and Summer League winner Jonathan Winward was second with a gross 78, and third was John Palin with 79. Edward Preedy carded the best nett score of 67.

Pro Graham Moore, who set the club up earlier this year, said: "These were excellent scores considering the course was playing extremely long due to rain the previous night.

"I have coached Laura since she began and her hard work and dedication, along with her strong desire to win, have paid off.

"During the winter season we have worked together on fitness and psychology, as well as her long and short game.

"She is a perfect ambassador and role model for girls' golf, all the six to 11-year-olds on my academies look up to her."

Laura will be the captain of Vale Royal Millennium Junior Golf Club in 2002 and is also a Cheshire regular.

Also winning end of year prizes at the club were Daniel Rowlands (New Millennium Trophy), Sam Platt (Past Captain Trophy) while Richard Minns shared the Best Gross Trophy with Laura Keogh.

Anyone interested in joining Vale Royal Millennium Juniors or needing information on junior academies and development programmes, ring Graham Moore on 07860 669432 or 853564.