An Otley College sports student will sample life on the other side of the fence when she teaches her peers the tricks of the trade later this year.

Eighteen-year-old Blaize Esmond will be teaching golf skills and techniques to her fellow students as part of her BTEC level three sports performance qualification.

Blaize, who first picked up a club at the driving range at the age of six, has lived in Suffolk for the previous four years and now plays off a handicap of three. In the UK order of merit, the young talent is 33rd in the UK in her age group, and 91st in the ladies age group.

Having won her first trophy at the age of 10 at Aldenham Golf and Country Club she has gone from strength to strength and was recently crowned Golfer of the Year by Suffolk Ladies County Golfing Assocation.

Her aim is to make it as far as she can in the game, and on the ladies’ tour if possible, but for now, staff at the college are happy to have her.

“We are delighted to have one of the region’s most talented sports stars at the college,” said Associate Sports Lecturer at Otley College, Mel Wakefield.

“Blaize has learnt a fair bit about sports science this year and has been able to use some of this information in her training regime.

“The college is right behind her in her efforts to succeed. We will do all we can to support her ambitions.”

Blaize will be showcasing her talent that has been nurtured and overseen by her parents, dad Lee and mum Joanne as well as coach, Keith Preston.

The teenager, who has designs on being a club professional should she not make the ladies’ tour, said: “I’m determined to go as far as I can in this sport and with the help of my parents and coach (Keith Preston).

“I will have to work hard to get to the top and I’m prepared to make sacrifices.

“You have to believe in yourself and the pressure only makes me even more determined to succeed.”

LAST week we printed pictures from a cross-country run, taken by photographer, Ted Blackbrow.

In the copy we stated that the pictures featured pupils from Orwell High School, when infact they were taken at Orwell Park School.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused by this error.