SWINDON Premier Golf Academy have had a third player qualify for the Wee Wonders Championship finals after Olivia Bannon booked her spot at St Andrews.

Olivia secured a trip to the home of golf after the 12-year-old shot a superb 32 around the tricky parkland course at Hoebridge Golf Club in a qualifying event at the end of July.

She follows in the footsteps of fellow youngsters Lewy Hayward, 9, and eight-year-old Cillian Roberts, who have also earned a place in the field at St Andrews.

Olivia shot the lowest score across all of the girls’ age groups that competed on the day as she coped the best in the testing windy conditions to finish on five over par at the qualifier in Surrey.

That formed part of a good run of form for Olivia as she also won the American Golf junior girls competition held at Broome Manor, qualifying her for the final at Gainsborough Golf Club in Lincolnshire, the headquarters of golf manufacturer Ping.

Swindon Premier Golf Academy head coach Lee Hayward said: “Olivia has been improving rapidly this season and deserves her place in both finals.

“She is a hard worker and really brings fun and smiles to the golf course.

“She is now part of the Swindon Premier Golf Academy Girls’ Elite programme and I’m sure will be knocking on the county squad’s door within next year or so.

“I have taught Olivia for a good four years now and it’s so pleasing to see her reach these achievements in golf.

“To have three of my players reach the grand final at St Andrews, the home of golf, makes me one very proud coach and makes it all worth while.

“They are all great young golfers that are really playing well and are always a pleasure to coach.

“I wish them all the best in the final and I’m sure they will all take a lot of fun to the competition.”