Holly (left) and India (right) last week during the Deloitte Ladies Open, where Holly, the 2013 champion, finished in a tie for seventh place.
Cleethorpes golfer India Clyburn says that she is “really excited and privileged” as she looks forward to playing at the ISPS HANDA Ladies European Masters next week at Buckinghamshire Golf Club.
The 18-year-old England player has received an invitation courtesy of the title sponsor ISPS and can’t wait to play in her first Ladies European Tour (LET) tournament, where her sister Holly will be one of the top names competing.
“I am nervous but I’ve been around watching a lot so it will be fun to actually play on the Ladies European Tour. I was fortunate enough to play in the Pro-Am last year but it was off the red tees so it will be a bit different this year,” said India, who has already caddied at several LET events for her sister.
Holly added: “It will be a great experience for India and also for me, to have her in the field. I think she will learn a lot as caddying is very different to playing. I hope India will enjoy the unique atmosphere.”
India, whose home club is Woodhall Spa, had a fantastic season in 2014 and some of the highlights included claiming the English Ladies’ under-18 Amateur, Scottish Ladies’ under-21 championship and the England Golf girls’ order of merit.
Other achievements included securing a five shot win in the Royal Birkdale Scratch Trophy, claiming the Telegraph BMW Junior Golf Championship title and winning all five of her matches in the Girls’ Home Internationals. Following the ISPS HANDA Ladies European Masters, in August, she will be enrolling on a golf scholarship at North Carolina State University.
While India aims to make the cut at the Buckinghamshire, Holly hopes to improve on her previous best finish there, which was 27th in both 2013 and 2014.
Holly said: “Over the past few years I haven’t performed as well as I should have done. I’m playing well so I hope to keep the ball rolling into the Bucks week and get some good rounds under my belt.”
The ISPS HANDA Ladies European Masters is an event for the whole family to enjoy with a host of activities, from mini golf and free lessons to an artisan market in addition to the world class golf. Buy tickets now at http://tickets.sky.com/Golf/LEM.
About ISPS HANDA
ISPS is a ‘General Incorporated Association’ based in Tokyo. ISPS was founded by Japanese philanthropist Dr Haruhisa Handa in 2006 to support charitable causes throughout the sporting world. ISPS’s support for golf is founded in its belief in the “power of sport” and it has fostered partnerships with golf governing bodies worldwide to help develop the game at every level and promote blind and disabled golf. ISPS’s heritage in supporting blind and disabled golf and Dr Handa’s interest and philanthropic contribution in golf has formed the foundation of its wider mission for golf to become a Paralympic sport. Outside of golf, ISPS’s support extends to other sports including rowing, football, polo, bowling and the convening of discussion platforms for young leaders in sports.
More information: www.ispsgolf.com
Twitter: @ISPSGolf