Nicola Race has boosted her chances of turning professional by winning a top tournament in the United States.

The 19-year-old Witham golfer, who has just completed the first year of a two-year golf scholarship at the Redlands Community College in Oklahoma, claimed victory at the NJCAA Womens Golf National Championship.

The tournament, which was held on the LPGA Legends Course in Daytona, Florida, was delayed by 24 hours because of bush fires and as a result was reduced to three 18 holes. Competing in a field of more than 100 girls from 15 other colleges, Race fired a leading level par score on the opening day.

She continued her good play and led the field for the whole three days to become the National Junior College champion.

Race also helped her college to win the team trophy, in what has been a fantastic first year.

She said: "I am very pleased with my win.

"It's been hard work but I really love all the college work and playing golf seven days a week on lots of different courses.

"I'm looking forward to my second year at Redlands.

"If I carry on making progress next year and graduate, I will stay on in America and complete another two years.

"My aim is to become a teaching or tour professional."

Race returns to the States next month to start her second year of the golf scholarship.

Before then, she will compete at the South East Championships and English Ladies tournament in Berkshire.