Kirsty Taylor, one of Britain’s most talented and popular women golfers of recent years, has signed up as an Ambassador for Golf Roots, the national project which introduces thousands of youngsters from all backgrounds and abilities to golf.
Former British Strokeplay Champion and Curtis Cup player Kirsty Taylor was runner-up in the 2000 Women’s British Open and won the Wales Ladies Championship of 2005. She earned over 800,000 euros in prize money and enjoyed more than 30 top-10 finishes on the professional circuit.
Diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2008, Kirsty battled back after surgery and radiotherapy, and though calling time on her professional career she is intent on helping many young players to enjoy the game.
Kirsty is a fan of Golf Roots, which aims to reach one million youngsters a year through golf by 2013. Golf Roots is the overarching name for all the initiatives in clubs, driving ranges, communities and cities which are run by leading golf charity the Golf Foundation. Golf Roots enjoys strong support from, among others, The R&A, The European Tour and The Ryder Cup Trust and its list of Ambassadors includes European Number 1 Lee Westwood.
As a Golf Roots Ambassador, Kirsty will join other Ladies European Tour favourites Alison Nicholas MBE, Rebecca Hudson, Felicity Johnson, Samantha Head and Johanna Mundy in demonstrating their support for Golf Roots.
Kirsty Taylor said: “I am delighted to be a Golf Roots Ambassador. Golf Roots aims to make golf more accessible to all youngsters and this is something every golfer should support strongly. I have loved playing the game (including the Golf Foundation Championships) for many years and want to pass on my passion and knowledge to new young players.”
Kirsty represents Minchinhampton Golf Club in Gloucestershire and will be able to combine her playing and coaching experience with knowledge gained from her degree in Sports Science, Recreation Management and PE.
Mike Round, Chief Executive of the Golf Foundation, said: “It is really great to welcome Kirsty to our team of Golf Roots Ambassadors. We believe all our Ambassadors bring something unique and personal to our aim of reaching a million youngsters a year through golf by 2013. Kirsty has shown she really wants to get involved in local projects and I think she will be a fantastic mentor to youngsters.
“For a young person to meet a player of Kirsty’s achievements and receive guidance is a wonderful opportunity which I am sure will be inspiring.”
Other Golf Roots Ambassadors include Olympic gold medallist Denise Lewis, Lee Westwood, respected BBC golf broadcaster Ken Brown and popular BBC radio presenter DJ Spoony.
In its support of the national golf partnerships of England, Scotland and Wales, the Golf Foundation wants to encourage more girls and boys to take up golf at every opportunity. It is hoped the association with leading professional women golfers and Denise Lewis will further this objective.
* The Golf Foundation relies on funding from golfers everywhere to continue with strategies in schools, communities and golf clubs that have been proved to be working by recent research figures. All those wishing to support Golf Roots can do so through www.golf-foundation.org or by calling 01992 449830.