A YOUNG Kendal golfer has been crowned under-14s champion after winning the Scottish Open at Craigielaw Golf Club.

Caitlin Whitehead, 14, overcame Gale-force winds to beat a near-40 strong field of some of the finest young golfers in the world.

The Kendal Golf Club star, who plays with a plus-one handicap, struggled at the back of her first round, but she hit a second-round 67 on the par 71 course to win by three shots.

This is the latest in a long line of accomplishment for the Kirkbie Kendal School pupil, who has twice been crowned Kendal Ladies champion as well as the two-time Ladies County Champion.

"It was quite tough with the wind blowing at about 50mph which made it extremely difficult and the first hole was the hardest opener I've ever played," said Caitlin, from The Oaks, Kendal.

"On the first day I played well but messed up the last two holes so when the wind dropped on the second day in the afternoon I knew it was possible to score on."

'Chuffed' Caitlin credited her victory to a bold decision on the final hole as she opted to capitalise on a strong drive to set up a birdie on the par-5 hole, rather than play it safe for par. The previous she played the same hole at four over.

She added: "I was pleased to win a national event because I've never done it before, despite being close. On the first day I was extremely sad after what happened on the last two holes, so when I managed to turn it around on the second day I was chuffed."

Caitlin's proud mum Donna said: "I was so impressed with how she came back on the second round to hold it together and to a shoot a 67 in a national event. I'm just very proud of her."