Dec. 28, 2004 – Ladies’ Weetabix Open Champion Karen Stupples came home to her native Kent in a bid to find a successor.

Not to challenge for the title she will defend vigorously in 2005, but more likely to be a player for 2015 or 2020. Stupples, whose first tour victory was the biggest prize of all, was at Chart Hills Golf Club to help groom the young female golfing stars of the future from her home county.

A dozen girls as young as 11, with handicaps ranging from five to 16, attended the special day at the Nick Faldo-designed course. Stupples, 31, was delighted that so much young golfing talent is being produced in her home county. She said: “The future of golf for ladies in Kent looks great from what I’ve seen at Chart Hills. The girls were all really keen and I hope they can go on to great things in golf.”

And the young girls were also impressed by their heroine. Kimberley Head, age 14, who plays off 11, said: “It was a fantastic day and great to meet Karen. She can be a symbol for me for where I can get to in golf. “She is so approachable and I have learned so much from her. The best thing she taught me was how to practice without getting bored.”

Kimberley wants to follow in Stupples’ footsteps and become a pro tour golfer. Another of those present yesterday, Sian Evans – a 13-year-old 11 handicapper - said: “It has been brilliant to be with Karen and I have learned so much from her. “I followed her when she won the British Open this year and watched her play there. She is brilliant.”

David Walls, general manager at Chart Hills, said it was a great honor to have Karen present for a day, which was one to remember for the talented junior ladies. He said: “Karen is without doubt one of the biggest stars in the women’s game and we are thrilled she was able to spend so much time with Kent’s finest juniors.”

The girls attending the day were: Rebecca Pike (handicap: 6) and Sarah Tyson (7) who both gained Kent second team colours this season which were presented on the day. Charlotte Hope (9) won the Abraham Trophy Final in Harrogate and is also in Kent’s second team.

Jerry Lawrence (10), Sian Evans (11), Kimberley Head (11), Amber Blundell (11) and Coral Jones (16), who is a member of the Dartford Ladies’ Mail on Sunday team who have just narrowly lost the final in Spain, were also present.

Joining them were Dan (CORR) Gibb (5) and Daisy Taylor (8).