FORMER Ladies European Tour golfer Lora Fairclough spoke of her delight for Chorley teenager Emily Taylor following her English U18 Girls’ Championships at Sandiway.

Taylor becamse the first Lancastrian to win the title since Fairclough claimed the trophy back in 1987.

And Fairclough, who is the coach of the former St Michaels High School student, was delighted for her young pupil and predicts a bright future for the teenager on the professional circuit.

“It’s awesome news,” said the Chorley Golf Club member and four-time winner on the Ladies European Tour who teaches Taylor at the Chilli Dip Driving Range in Blackrod.

“I was the last Lancashire player to win it all those years ago at Coventry and I remember going up to my club with mum and dad and filling the trophy with champagne.

“I played with Emily in a county girls versus professionals competition at Royal Birkdale when she was nine and I spotted her talents then. I remember telling two members at my club that she would win a professional title by the time she was 23. She’s only 17 so that prediction is looking good.”

Fairclough added: “She’s fantastic – I’ve never seen talent like it but I can’t really claim the credit because I’ve only given her six lessons this year!”

Taylor, originally taught by her granddad who did not play the game but studied the style of players such as Tiger Woods from a book, finished the event on five-under par after a stunning final round 66.