Golf champ shows drive to succeed

ASHLEY Ona was just seven when she started getting into the swing of golf.

And even at that early age, friends and family couldn't deny she had a talent for the sport.

Fast-forward 13 years and the Goodna 20-year-old is now one of Australia's highest ranked amateur golfers.

Confirming her status as a rising star, Ona has been named in the provisional national squad for the World Amateur Team Championships.

The prestigious event, played this year in Turkey, will feature the world's leading amateurs from more than 40 countries.

The Australian women's provisional squad comprises six players.

It will be cut back to three before the championships in September.

Ona said her performances in preliminary tournaments in Canada and the US would be watched closely by selectors.

"Hopefully I will be able to earn a spot on the team," she said.

"Competing in the Australian squad against some of the best players in the world would be a great stepping stone into the professional ranks."

The last Australian women's team to win the four-day tournament was in 2002.

Ona said the pathway to reach this level of competition had required a lot of training, dedication and sacrifice.

"I'm practically on the golf course every day for about five hours - it's like a full time job," she said.

"And since it's such an individual sport, it requires a lot of motivation to get out and practise by yourself."

The World Amateur Team Championships will be played from September 27 to October 10.