DUNWOOD Manor star Katie Mundy has enjoyed a sensational start to her college career in America.

The 18-year-old, whose long-term goal is to reach the Ladies’ European Tour, moved to Western Texas College earlier this term. She has quickly established herself as the team’s number one player and won two of her first three tournaments.

Mundy claimed victory in the Schreiner Spring Shootout by six shots and was ten clear of the field in the TJC Women’s Intercollegiate.

After turning down more than 25 offers to play golf in the States, she moved to Western Texas, joining fellow Dunwood youngster Elliot Groves at the college.

And Mundy is thrilled with how she has adapted to the challenge.

“After a lack of practice back home before I came out here, I wasn’t expecting to start as well as I did,” she told the Daily Echo. “Every day we practise for between three and five hours. Most days we play at least nine holes, which has helped our course management massively.

“I wasn’t expecting to win my tournaments by such large margins, especially the last tournament where I won by ten. My short-game has improved so much since I’ve been here.”

She added: “The way of life is so much more relaxed and it takes the pressure off. The college is very sports orientated and tournaments, events etc bring the town together.”

Mundy has her sights set on more success in the States, before she flies home at the end of May.

“The main team aim is to win the National Tournament at Daytona Beach at the end of May,” she said. “My individual goal is to win the National Championship as well.”

But Mundy’s focus also extends beyond that, as she looks to have a career in the game.

“Over the next few years I aim to compete in the national events back in Great Britain and go to tour school in a few years’ time to get my card for the European Tour,” she said.

Dunwood Manor professional Heath Teschner is delighted at what Mundy has achieved.

“She’s grown up from scratch with us,” he said.

“She’s a really good kid and has been a great ambassador for the golf club.

“It’s very rewarding for us to see her doing so well.”

Teschner also praised Mundy’s work for the club, with the pair running in the Totton 10k event two years ago to raise funds for Dunwood’s successful junior section.

“What I liked about that is she put something back,” he said.

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