JESSICA Hall is heading to America after landing a life-changing scholarship.

The talented Bishop Auckland golfer is to follow in the footsteps of North-East Tour names such as Ellie Givens and Jodi Ewart-Shadoff by crossing the Atlantic to enhance her game.

After watching Hall at several events in the UK, golf consultant Andy Newman, ofunitedsportsusa golf.com, made a move to sign her to the company’s golf programme and has secured her a deal.

Hall’s parents, Graham and Carolynne, have been a tremendous support to Jess over the years, when her ability has seen her play across the UK, Europe and America.

In August she will head to California State University Fresno, who play in the NCAA Division 1, to start a scholarship that will see the university cover her tuition fees, accommodation, meals, insurance and all golf-related costs.

Hall has a handicap of plus two and is one of the best young female golfers in the UK.

Newman said: “Jess will join up with head coach Emily Loftin, who was delighted to have beaten off around 25 other universities for Jessica’s signature.

“Jess will join fellow United Sports USA Golf’s Alison Muirhead and Dominika Gradecka at Fresno.

“Over the next four years Jess will be studying and representing the university all over America. This year the team played in seven different states, competing against other top woman’s golf programmes.

“She has ambitions to play professional golf and the collegiate set up will prove the perfect environment for her to test herself against the best female golfers on the college tour.”

Last season Hall enjoyed lowering her handicap from scratch to plus three before finally settling at plus two. She came third at the Irish Girls Open Championship in the top ten at the English Girls Open Championship and fifth at the Faldo Series Grand Final at Al Ain in the UAE.

DARLINGTON Golf Club’s Lady Captain Amy Gamble has presented more than £2,200 to Colin Cooper.

The former Middlesbrough centre-half and Hartlepool United boss, now working with the FA and the England set-up, made the trip to receive the cheque on behalf of the children’s charity set up in his late son’s name, the Finlay Cooper Fund.

Gamble, a Boro supporter, selected the charity for the year after her father, Phil, suggested it.

She wants to continue to raise funds with events going forward, even though captaincy year is over.

Amy organised an Elvis tribute night, golf weekends and several tournaments, fully supported by Darlington GC, where she has been a member for over eight years. She raised a total of £2,223.41 for the fund.

BILLINGHAM Golf Club’s Lady Captain’s Charity Open is also to raise money for the Finlay Cooper Fund.

The open will take place on Friday, May 11 from 8am - 3pm as a four person per team stableford format, with the best two scores counting.

There will be a maximum of 28 handicap for men and 36 for ladies, with prizes for first to fifth place – plus a complimentary half-way house. Prizes will be presented at a social evening on the night with live entertainment and tickets are £6.

It costs £60 per team to enter the charity open and to reserve a tee time contact 01642 557060 or billinghamgolfclub.co.uk