A talented young Barrow golfer is continuing to make her mark on the national and international golfing scene after a string of outstanding performances this season.
Florence Martindale, a year six pupil at Newbarns Primary and Nursery School, has enjoyed a remarkable year on the golf course, including an impressive sixth-place finish in the Champion of Champions Golf Competition at Lough Erne in Northern Ireland.
Competing in the Under 12 Girls category, Florence played 54 holes over three days, shooting the lowest gross score in her age group (+6) on the final day.
Her strong finish secured her a top-six place and she will compete next year after winning a qualifier on the Ping Junior tour at Silloth.
Despite only just turning 10 three days before the age cut-off, Florence was the youngest player in her category, meaning she will be eligible to compete at that level for the next three years.
“It was a tough course because it was very windy but it was very fun as all my friends who play golf were there,” she said.
Her golfing journey also saw her qualify for the Faldo Futures Final at the British Masters Pro-Am at The Belfry, where she had the unforgettable experience of receiving personal bunker tips from golf legend Sir Nick Faldo.
She said: “It was such an amazing day – I didn’t play my best golf, but getting a bunker lesson from Sir Nick Faldo was really good.
“He was teaching me how to hit it further and helped me with my game.”
Her dedication and hours of practice this season have paid off – she has cut nine shots off her handicap this season, now playing off 12.1. She is also continuing to improve her game with her Kendal-based coach.
Florence, who is sponsored by Cumbrian-based The Big Golf Company, has also achieved:
- Two wins, six second places and one third on the Ping Junior Tour, finishing 3rd in the Girls Gross Order of Merit and runner-up in the Under 12 Girls Gross Final at Thonock Park – home of Ping Golf Europe.
- Success on the Rob Rock Tour, with three wins in the Under 16 Girls Gross category, the latest was at the weekend.
- Victories at Barrow Golf Club, including on Captain’s Day.
Interim headteacher Victoria Fitzgibbons said everyone at Newbarns Primary, part of South Cumbria Multi-Academy Trust, was very proud of Florence’s achievements both on and off the course.
She said: “Florence is a wonderful example of what hard work, ambition and balance can achieve.”
