BROAK Oak Sports College student Nicole Womack has become the first ever girl junior captain in Pike Fold Golf Club's 108-year history.

The 15-year-old has been playing since she was seven after being introduced to the game by her dad Tony.

She plays off a 14 handicap and has aspirations to one day become a professional golfer.

“My first memories were of my dad teaching me and my brother Ryan in the back garden on how to grip and swing a club – I was only seven,” said Nicole, whose first ever round was at the par three course at Castle Hawk Golf Club.

“My first handicap was 42 but I’m now down to 14 and playing for Lancashire Juniors.

"Longer term I’d like to hopefully become a professional golfer and play on the Ladies European Tour.”

Nicole classes being picked for her county and winning junior golfer of the year two years running at Pike Fold as her best golfing achievements to date.

She also plays hockey and netball and likes trampolining and running, and is well aware that playing golf is not top of the list of things to do for most teenage girls.

“Some of my school friends think it’s great that I do something different apart from the normal sports that we do in school, but there are a few who think it’s unusual that a girl my age plays golf.”

Dad Tony, who plays at Lowes Park, said: “Nicole’s mum Emma and I were surprised, but immensely proud, when the junior organisers (Dom and Matt King) told us that Nicole was the first ever girl captain at Pike Fold.

“Our 11-year-old son Ryan also plays at Pike Fold. His handicap is 17 so you can imagine we have healthy competition and banter at the weekends.

“I play when I can but most of my time is taken up with their golfing commitments.”