SPORT: Young golfer has sights set on professional career

A YOUNG RGS golfer has her sights set on a professional career in the sport.

Francesca Kirkman has been playing since she was just six years old, when her father took her to the Ripon Golf Driving Range.

She now trains with a professional coach and is a member of Rudding Park Golf Club in Harrogate, where she plays every weekend.

“I remember my dad taking me to play for the first time and just knew that day that golf would be my favourite sport, I was dedicated straight away.”

The 13-year-old, who is inspired by American golfer Nelly Korda, says: “After RGS, I’d like to play professional golf. I hope that one day I’ll be in the Women’s Professional Golfers’ Association Championship.”

Francesca also does lots of volunteering and charity work in Ripon and made history when she was selected as the first ever boat girl at Ripon Cathedral, responsible for filling the incense burner. As an acolyte, she also carries a candle in the procession to the altar.

*Francesca is pictured with her coach, Craig