CLECKHEATON member Megan Lockett's competitive edge helped her claim the Welsh Girls Matchplay Championship at Wenvoe Castle.

The 17-year-old has not hit top form in strokeplay events this season as she gets used to swing changes which she has had to make due to a back condition.

But her dad Warren, who is the professional at Cleckheaton, explained that sheer will to win had seen her crowned national champion.

Megan finished tied third in the strokeplay qualifying stages - nine shots behind leader Jordan Ryan - before seeing off several international players, including Ryan, to win the matchplay title.

Warren said: " That sums Megan up at the moment. Strokeplay wise things have not gone as good as she could have expected but stick her in a matchplay scenario and her competitive edge comes to the fore.

"There is that inner determination to beat her opponent."

Megan, who is also a member at Huddersfield, beat Nicola Wainwright 4&3 in the final, having also beaten Jordan (3&2), Angharad Evans (3&2) and Emma Miller (3&2).

The success made up for her defeat in the final last year, when she also lost at the last hurdle to Emma Brown in the Yorkshire Ladies Championship.

Warren said: "That could have been a stumbling block so to actually win a final, even if she's not played her best golf, is great. There's nothing like the feeling of winning."

Megan, who qualifies for Wales due to her dad's roots, has three different spinal curves, which means she has muscle restriction down one side.

Known as scoliosis, it is a condition which world number one and 2013 British Open champion Stacy Lewis has had to overcome.

Megan has been working hard with Welsh strength and conditioning coaching team and also been making technical changes to her swing.

Warren said: "Her swing is looking a lot neater and nicer. It still feels a bit alien to her but she knows it does work and this win can really help her confidence."

The two handicapper is now set to link up with her Welsh team-mates to compete in the home international matches, which take place at Dobanate Golf Club near Dublin from August 6-8.