NATALIE Booth passed a massive test of skill and courage at The Ladies' English Open last weekend to give herself a huge fillip ahead of what could be a career changing four days.
Playing in only her third Ladies' European Tour event of the season the Brokenhurst Manor tour pro finished a pleasing tenth - her best tour performance to date - after rounds of 71, 75 and 70 at Chart Hills in Kent, leaving big names such as Trish Johnson trailing in her wake.
Prize money of more than 3,000 euros was very welcome, although most important to the 23-year-old was making the cut to book her place at Final Qualifying School next month.
"If somebody had offered me tenth at the beginning of the week I'd have taken it with both hands - although my main objective was to make the cut and earn a good enough ranking to avoid stage one of Qualifying School," said the New Milton resident, adding: "Realistically, this was my last tour event of 2006 so it's pleasing to have coped with the pressure and produced."
Now with confidence boosted and lessons learned from a tough first year on the circuit in 2005, the right-hander can't wait for November 22-25 and a trip to Final Qualifying School in La Cala Resort, Spain.
"Last year was a baptism of fire and certainly a tough period. I didn't fully believe in myself and was in awe of some of the players - Laura Davies for one - I was competing against.
"But confidence is a big thing, and it's something I have plenty of after my finish at Chart Hills. I really feel I belong on tour now and can't wait for November.
"If I finish top 26 in Spain I'll gain entry into all of next year's tournaments and will be able to properly prepare and plan my season, rather than gain last-minute invites to a handful of events."
While Booth was enjoying the best performance of her career, Overton's Kirsty Taylor was battling to improve her already impressive order of merit position.
Rounds of 75 and 73 had put the 27-year-old in line for a four-figure cheque, but a final round 79 put paid to this and the former England international had to settle for 64th and prize money of just under 500 euros.
However, Taylor has had a good season overall with winnings of almost 45,000 in her fifth season on tour.
Natalie Booth would love to hear from any individual or company interested in helping with sponsorship. Interested parties should, in the first instance, call James Rose on 023 8042 4517.
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