CORISANDE Lee is determined to overcome an early disappointment to 2011 and make a huge impression in her second season on the Ladies European Tour (LET).

Regarded as Lancashire’s top lady professional, the 25-year-old from Blackburn has come a long way since taking up the sport at the age of 16.

An exceptional amateur career saw the former St Wilfrid’s High School student help Lancashire Ladies win the England Championship, while her individual successes included Formby Leveret and Pleasington Putter titles.

She earned a conditional tour card in December 2009 and, in her first full season on the LET, appeared in nine events across the continent.

By her own admission, Lee admits her first year as a rookie professional was a ‘tough learning curve’ as she juggled a hectic schedule with battling for prize money. With limited sponsors, her father Duncan, a former golf professional, was on hand to pay for much of her travelling expenses.

But Chorley-born Lee ended 2010 on a high, coming 56th at the Tenerife Open, before highly creditable 38th and 31st place finishes at the Wales Champion-ship and Finnair Masters respectively.

In December, she then gained another conditional tour card after finishing 44th at the Ladies European Tour School at La Manga.

Lee’s 2011 season has started slowly, her short game letting her down at the stiflingly hot Lalla Meryem Cup in Morocco last month, but the East Lancashire star is focused on learning from last year’s experiences.

“I would have loved a full card, but I know a lot more about the LET and how it works,” said Lee.

“I learned so much. I struggled at the start, but things got better as the season wore on. I started to make a lot more cuts and made enough money to pay for my travelling and expenses.

She added: “It was a bit of a nightmare in Morocco, but conditions were hot.

“Things can only get better.”