A TEENAGER will swap Ellesmere Port for Arkansas in August when she begins a golf scholarship in America.

Poppy Finlay, 17, of Whitby, has secured a four-year stay at the University of Central Arkansas.

Her potential was spotted by the university’s director of golf, Ryke Dismuke, when he came to Mobberley Golf Club to assess the skills of four players from Cheshire.

Poppy was so good she was offered a full scholarship and, having already passed all the academic tests required to secure her place, she is now looking forward to beginning a new chapter of her life in America later this year.

Dad Craig said: “We’re made up for Poppy. She’s been striving for this since she was 10.

“This is the natural progression for her. She’s done really well.

“She will be studying at university until 12pm each day, then will play the rest of the day playing golf.”

Poppy, who plays off a handicap of two, will come under the wing of the university’s women’s golf coach Natasha Vincent.

The women’s golf team will travel across America, playing against other universities in organised leagues.

Craig added: “At the age of 17, it’s an adventure for her.

“If I was 17, I’d be a bit dubious about going to a foreign country. I take my hat off to her.”

As well as proving her golfing credentials, Whitby High School student Poppy also had to show she had the academic qualities to earn the scholarship.

The A* student sat tests in Cumbria and has already been guaranteed a place, despite the fact she does not sit her A-levels until this summer.

Poppy first picked up a golf club aged 10 and is a member of Vicars Cross Golf Club in Chester.

She is now a member of the England Futures programme, which helps the country’s most talented young players manage their academic work while also progressing with their sporting skills.

She has a long list of competition wins to her name – including two in Spain last year – and has been crowed Chester Girls champion for the last four years.

Poppy’s ambition is to win a place on the women’s European Tour circuit once her four years in Arkansas are over.