OAKENSHAW golfer Olivia Hamilton is thrilled at the chance to pursue her American dream on a scholarship across the pond – especially as her long-time Cleckheaton club-mate Megan Clarke is making the same trip.

The 17-year-old will head to the College of Charleston in South Carolina next year to compete on the US college circuit, which attracts some of the best young players in the world.

And Megan, who first learned the game with Olivia under the guidance of Cleckheaton professional Warren Lockett, has received a similar scholarship at Western Kentucky University.

Olivia, who is a Heckmondwike Grammar School pupil along with Megan, said: "I am so excited to be going out there. It something I've always wanted to do.

"It's great to know that Megan is doing the same thing and that we will be able to share our experiences with each other.

"We both started playing at Cleckheaton about 11 years ago as juniors with plastic clubs.

"We've both developed our game at the club and both play for Yorkshire Ladies.

"While we probably won't be playing in the same competitions in America, I am sure we will meet up during the summer break and play some golf."

Playing on the US student circuit is a popular route towards the professional ranks for aspiring amateurs in both the men's and ladies' game.

It was taken by Cleckheaton honorary member Georgina Simpson, who studied at San Jose State University before joining the Ladies European Tour.

And Olivia is eyeing a similar path, though the academic side to her four-year scholarship should provide her with alternative options.

She said: "The standard of play will be a different ball game and a real step up.

"The benefit of going to America is you can put everything into golf and see where that takes you.

"But you are also studying for a degree which provides you with a fall-back if the golf doesn't work out. That is a real strong point as my education is also very important to me."

Simpson is now based at Woodsome Hall but her legacy remains at Cleckheaton, where young female talent has continued to thrive.

Along with Hamilton and Clarke, Megan Lockett is already into her second year of an R&A golf scholarship at Birmingham University and is a key member of the Welsh squad.

Olivia said: "Georgina donated a trophy which we used to play for and I won it twice.

"She is a role model to us. She is not down at the club as often but I've played nine holes with her and it's great to learn from her experience."

Olivia's scholarship award comes on the back of an encouraging season in which she was tied fifth in the English Girls Championships and helped Yorkshire finish runners-up in the English Women's County finals.

The scratch handicapper is thankful to Glasgow-based sports scholarship consultancy United Sports USA for helping to secure her college spot, which she will take up next August.

They support youngsters and their families, who want to secure sporting and academic scholarships in the United States’ college system, primarily in football, golf, swimming and athletics.

A spokesperson for United Sports USA said: “We believe Olivia is a terrific young talent who will only go from strength to strength and benefit from being part of a strong college golf programme.”