Golf: Turner aims to come top of class again

JANE TURNER is hoping to maintain her Oz-some start to the season this week when she bids for a hat-trick of wins in the British Universities' Championship.

The 21-year-old from Penicuik spent eight weeks in Australia earlier the year and has reaped the rewards since returning home.

She finished first and second in two Scottish Universities' events before beating a strong field to claim victory in last week's R&A Bursars' event at St Andrews.

Now Turner is in England for the start of the main event on the British Universities' calendar at West Lancs today.

"My trip to Australia was immensely beneficial," admitted the Craigielaw member. "My game feels so much stronger this year."

Turner trailed leader Pamela Pretswell, one of two Curtis Cup players in the field, by two shots heading into the final round of the Bursars' event and was delighted to come out on top.

"It was the toughest conditions I have ever experienced on a golf course," she said.

"Indeed, the wind was so strong that they had to water the 11th green as we were playing to stop the balls from moving on it.

"With Danielle McVeigh, another Curtis Cup player, and also Kelsey MacDonald in the field, it was a good event to win."

What made it even better is that Turner, who helped Scotland win the Home Internationals last year, has secured a place in a Ladies European Tour event later in the year.

"I don't know what one it is yet but it won't really matter as it will be great experience," she admitted.