GOLFER Hannah Stradling is still hoping she can fulfil her dream of becoming a pro after completing half of her scholarship.

The 20-year-old, from Rowde, left for America in 2014 after being handed a golf scholarship at Lindenwood University in Illinois. Since then, she has continued to play and pursue her long-term goal of turning professional.

Despite only having summer and Christmas at home, Stradling told the Gazette & Herald moving to the States was a great decision.

“The aim is still the same, I feel like going to America has definitely improved the standard of my game, I still love golf,” said the public relations student.

“The way we play the tournaments and the level of competition is really good, I feel like it’s prepared me more. If I went to university in England it would have been more recreational.

“In America it is so serious, I feel like I'm going to a PGA tournament every time I play because of how seriously they take it. It’s done me wonders.

“I’m going to try and get on some kind of tour and do something with golf, but it’s getting the opportunity. I have my degree just in case so I’ll always have a back up.”

While home for the summer, Stradling took part in the South West tournament in Cornwall, where she finished in 10th place.

“It was 36 holes and I wasn’t that great but it was a really good tournament and a great experience,’’ she added.

“I just didn’t perform well. I did the practice round the day before and it hadn’t rained for three weeks so the course was super hard and bouncy.”