A TEENAGE golfer from County Durham will begin the next chapter of her sporting life this month.

Jessica Hall, 19, is set to jet off tomorrow to the United States where she will embark on a four year golf scholarship with a top university.

The talented sportswoman, of Witton-le-Wear, near Bishop Auckland, has already a string of achievements under her belt in the game.

But she hopes a stint at the University of California’s Fresno State will provide a launch pad into a successful professional career.

Jessica said: “I’m really excited for it. It (Fresno State) is in Division 1 which is the best division. I also like the coach, Emily Loftin, who came to the British Girls’ last year.”

She follows in the footsteps of North-East Tour names such as Ellie Givens and Jodi Ewart-Shadoff by crossing the Atlantic to enhance her game.

And with a scholarship, the university will cover her tuition fees, accommodation, meals, insurance and all golf-related costs.

Her ability has seen her play across the UK, Europe and America and she is now regarded as one of the best young female golfers in the UK.

The former Barnard Castle School and Durham Sixth Form Centre pupil most recently won the Ladies Scratch Trophy at the Royal Birkdale Golf Club, in Southport, at the end of July.

Jessica’s parents, Graham and Carolynne, have supported her over the years.

Her mother, Mrs Hall, said: “The opportunity to play and compete in the US is a fantastic opportunity for Jessica as golf in this country is a short season due to our weather.

“Being able to play 12 months a year will give her the opportunity to see how good her golf can be without the constraints of the English weather.

"As a family we are extremely proud of both her golf and the fact that she is prepared to go outside her comfort zone to improve both her golf and education.”

A farewell party attended by about 70 people was held for Jessica at her brother’s pub, The Victoria Inn, in Witton-le-Wear.

Mrs Hall commissioned Newton Aycliffe-based Love thy Cupcake to make a cake in the shape of the university mascot, a bulldog, for the send-off.

She said: “It was a great engineering project as it was no ordinary cake it had to be a lifesize bulldog, standing up.

"I provided her with a picture of the mascot and this is what she provided.

"It was done with love and excitement and was very much admired at her party.”