Rugby golfer named Young Sports Personality of the Year

Buy photos » Lauren Taylor in action at Portrush. Picture by Carl Carson Golf Agency. (s)

RUGBY golfer Lauren Taylor has been named BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year.

The 17-year-old was given the honour at a glitzy awards ceremony held last night (Thursday) in Salford and watched by millions of people.

It caps off an impressive year for Hillmorton teenager Lauren who in June became the youngest ever winner of the British Women's Amateur Golf Championships when aged just 16.

Lauren took to her Twitter page this morning (Friday) to tell of her joy at scooping the prestigious award.

She said: "BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year - topped off a great year and such a good Christmas present.

"What an amazing feeling. So happy right now."

Winning the award gave Lauren the chance to rub shoulders with golfing stars including Rory McIlroy, Darren Clarke and Luke Donald.

English golfer and Ryder Cup team member for Europe Ian Poulter sang Lauren's praises after winning the award.

He said: "She is not only a great golfer but an extremely well-rounded young woman.

"Lauren is a deserving winner of the award and has my full support as she moves forward with her golfing career."

Lauren received her award shortly before cyclist and Olympic favourite Mark Cavendish was named BBC Sports Personality of the Year.

Despite her young years she has already played in the senior British Women's Open and has represented Europe in the Junior Solheim Cup.

Lauren is currently ranked 20th in the women's amateur golf world rankings.

In her debut on on the Ladies European Tour, she made her mark by hitting a hole in one during the first round, while at the European Girls Team Championships she helped England to a silver medal.

Lauren beat cyclist Lucy Garner and swimmer Eleanor Simmonds to win the Young Sports Personality of the Year prize.

Previous winners include footballers Wayne Rooney and Theo Walcott, tennis player Andy Murray and diver Tom Daley.

She has now been signed by Baylor College in Dallas, Texas, on a sports-based scholarship.