Ely golfer Emily Slater, 18, has professional ambitions after Women’s British Open final qualifying experience

Eighteen-year-old Ely golfer Emily Slater got to rub shoulders with professionals when she took part in final qualifying for the British Women’s Open ... now, she has her sights set on joining their ranks.

Slater did exceptionally well to make it through pre-qualifying and in with a shot of participating at a major. Things didn’t go to plan at final qualifying, but she says she learnt a lot from the experience.

Slater said: “I had never played with professionals - pre-qualifying was the first time. Then I made it to final qualifying.

“It was a really good experience to be around professionals and see how they practice and approach the game. It’s what I want to do.

“It was annoying for a start (her performance at final qualifying) but I think it’s the struggles you learn the most from.

“I didn’t know what to expect. Just getting to final qualifying was a massive achievement for me.”

The former Witchford Village College student, who first picked up a club at Ely Golf Club eight years ago, has dedicated herself to her golf.

With the support of her parents, she practices all throughout the year, with competitions taking place all over the country between March and September.

The goal, Slater says, is to get her professional card by the end of next year, so she can play on the ladies’ European Tour.

In the mean time, she will continue honing her craft at amateur tournaments across the country and hopefully pick up her breakthrough win.