Jenna Proves a Tough Nut in Brazil
Talented young golfer, Jenna Birch has proved that she’s a tough nut to crack on the golf course with a stunning performance in the Grand Final of the Nick Faldo Series at Costa Do Sanipe in Brazil, that gave her the runners up position, only two shots behind the eventual winner, English girls’ champion, Hannah Barwood.
The 17-year-old sixth form International Baccalaureate Diploma student was granted time off from her studies to fly out to compete in the event, which many believed would be too tough for the relatively unknown amateur golfer. However, the girl who already holds the ladies course record of 67 at her home town golf club in Fleetwood, and is also an emerging force at Royal Lytham St Anne’s, defied the odds to run a close second to the older and more experienced Barwood, and lost only by incurring two penalty points for a shot out of bounds on the back nine on the last day of play.
After only four years playing golf Jenna’s achievement is remarkable and shows a natural talent that could see her become a professional golfer once studies at Rossall are complete next year. For now though she’s under strict instructions from parents, John and Jeanette to knuckle down to her studies for what is recognised as a more challenging alternative to A-Level.
Said Jenna: “For now all thoughts of competitive golf have to be secondary to the IB, which I would love to pass with a good score. Even though I tasted the lifestyle afforded professional golfers when I competed in Brazil and really want to become a professional myself I realise that the IB Diploma is vital if I choose to go on to university, so it’s not really a sacrifice to hold off on golf competitions until April next year.”
Having qualified for the Faldo Series through UK regional events, Jenna was pitted against elite players from Russia, Iceland, Turkey, Brazil Ireland and England in the Grand Final and has won many admirers for her maturity of performance and natural ability. When in Brazil, Jenna experienced five star luxury hotels and an almost celebrity lifestyle that have convinced her of her calling and she hopes to enter the Nick Faldo event again next year and this time win it!
Commenting on her achievement, Rossall's director of sport, Katie Lee said: “Jenna is one of the most naturally gifted golfers I have seen in many years and I’m certain she will be good enough to turn professional if that’s what she wishes. She inspires her friends here and still competes in school golf tournaments, so success hasn’t gone to her head.”
Jenna finished the Faldo event with a score of 232 after 54 holes of stroke play and hopes to better that score next year. Only a nut would bet against her!
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