Emily Price lives the dream with England
Ludlow golfer Emily Price insists her career is only just beginning after revelling in her first experience of representing her country on the big stage.
The 16-year-old helped England to fifth place in the European Girls' Team Championships in Oslo last weekend.
She also finishing tied for 40th in the singles event – despite being out of competition for three months.
With exams keeping her off the course, Price was thrown straight in at the deep end.
But the Cleobury Mortimer member was delighted to be back in action, with the chance to swing for England a dream coming to fruition.
Price also benefits from funding as part of her involvement in the SSE Next Generation programme.
She said: "I've always wanted to represent England, you beg for that time to come around to wear that shirt.
"Hopefully, I can have many more of these occasions. There were a bit of nerves, this is my first European Team Championships.
"I's a pretty big deal, and being part of the best six in the country is an awesome feeling.
"It's a really tough competition – you're playing the best people around – so that brings out the best in you too.
"The chance to play in Oslo was an amazing experience. It spurs you on to do better, pushing yourself to be able to do it again.
"Being on some of the best courses, playing with and against the best people, gives you so much to learn, I've been able to leave knowing what I need to work on and where I can improve."
Price shot a one-over par first round in the singles – despite admitting she was rusty – while windy conditions and some self-confessed 'stupid shots' on day two gave her a final score of plus eight.
But, not to be disheartened, Price took the event in her stride to help England overcome Denmark, a victory which the teenager believes will propel her to more worthwhile experiences in the team event.
She added: "It was key to keep the same strategy for the team event, backing my ability and doing everything I could for the team.
"The team has been with each other since the winter, spending some time with England Golf to work on strategy and learn how each other plays, get the feel of each other and how you work together.
"But, ultimately, it's all about your own game and making sure that it is in the best place it can be.
"We've got England to one of the best finishes in a while so we're delighted to have done that, and I'm over the moon to be a part of it."
SSE's Next Generation programme partners with SportsAid to provide financial support and training to the sports stars of the future. Keep up to date with the latest @SSENextGen.
