Philadelphia, here comes golfer Jake!

Jake Speers, a Year 14 student at Dominican College in the town, has just been awarded a scholarship to Millersville University, where he will study all aspects of the game.

He will spend most of his time during the week practising and developing his golf technique as well as taking part in tournaments throughout Pennsylvania during his four-year scholarship which will commence immediately after he sits his A level exams in June.

Jake is going to study academic modules such as Psychology as part of his course and he hopes to minor in Sports Journalism.

Currently junior captain of Portstewart Golf Club, the Jake is spending the winter months getting in as much practice in his local club before setting off stateside next year. He is the current Ulster Series Winter Champion and was runner up in the Club Championship and the Senior Scratch Cup in Portstewart Club.

He has also represented Ulster and was the youngest ever member of both the junior and senior cup teams. He has competed in tournaments all across Ireland in his junior

career.

A delighted Jake said: “I travel next year at the end of June and start my first semester at the end of August studying Psychology. I get to spend the summer golfing and getting used to golf in the States.

"I am so excited to be able to take up this opportunity to further my dream of becoming a professional golfer. I would like to really thank my dad and my whole amazing family for always being there for me.

"I would also like to pay tribute to my local Portstewart Golf Club for giving me the opportunity to play in their teams and in particular Neil Morrison, my junior convenor. I really look forward to representing them all in Philly!”

Speaking on behalf of the school community at Dominican, Mr Kevin Ramsey said: “We wish Jake every success and look forward to seeing his career take off and hopefully

competing at the highest level in the future.”