A TALENTED Kilwinning golf star is ready to take on the best in the business as she challenges at Dundonald Links next week.

Connie Jaffrey, the high-flying amateur who has just completed the second year of her golf scholarship at Kansas State University, has been given a special invite to compete at the Aberdeen Asset Management Ladies Scottish Open.

The 19-year-old will be one of 80 amateurs and celebrities to tee it up alongside 80 of the world’s top female golfers in the unique pro-am style event. The 54-hole tournament starts on Friday, July 22 and is the only annual professional Ladies European Tour event in Scotland.

For Connie, it is not only a rare opportunity to play in front of her family but also to see how her game stands up against the professionals she will one day look to compete against on the European Tour.

And the Ayrshire local has said she is raring to get started in the event.

She explained: “I’m really looking forward to it – it’s a real honour to be invited to play in such a prestigious event.

“I’ve always enjoyed playing Dundonald – it’s a great course. I played there in the Ladies British Amateur and performed well on the first day and that helped me qualify for the matchplay section. Unfortunately I came up against one of the prestigious Swedish girls and didn’t progress any further. But it will be great to play there again. It will be nice to have family and friends watching too – it won’t add pressure, it will just add enjoyment to the occasion.

“The big thing for me will be playing alongside the professionals. It will give me a close-up view of their games and see where I stand against them and what I need to do to improve. Ultimately the goal is to play on the European Tour so this will be another part of the learning process.”

Connie’s talent was apparent from an early age and this was recognised by North Ayrshire Council when she became part of the council’s Nurturing Excellence Programme.

She said: “I was on the programme before I went to the States and it was really good for my development. Over the winter they helped with my fitness and provided me with gym training to get

me ready to compete in the summer. They’ve also helped me financially and also given me plenty of encouragement and support when I’ve needed it. It has been really good to be part of and I’ve been very fortunate.”

Councillor Willie Gibson, Leader of North Ayrshire Council, said: “The Nurturing Programme is a fantastic resource and gives our talented young sports people that little extra help they may need.

“We offer that support and guidance but ultimately it’s the young people that have the skill and desire to fulfil their potential.

“Connie is a shining example of that and we’re delighted she will be taking part at Dundonald Links.”

The event runs from July 22-24 and admission is free.