THE annual Ayrshire Junior Golf League awards saw a rising star from Irvine Golf Club claim one of the most prestigious prizes.

Louise Milligan claimed the MacRobert Thistle Junior Golfer of the Year trophy for girl golfers across Ayrshire at the presentation last month.

It wasn't the only win for Irvine either, who also received their prize for winning the under 16 knockout trophy earlier in the season.

Their under 18 side also picked up their county championship runners up award.

Louise received her individual accolade for not only her golfing talent, which she has in abundance, but what support she offers the wider golfing community she is part of.

Her home club, which she plays out of as well as Loudoun Gowf Club, looked to explain exactly why she was honoured - and said everyone at Irvine Golf Club was so proud of her.

They said: "Louise has been a valuable member of the Irvine Junior section since she joined the club around 2018.

"One of our first girl members at Irvine, the support and encouragement Louise gives her fellow girl members at Irvine is to be commended.

"Louise played/attended at various team games and the way she conducted herself and offered encouragement to all her teammates was a joy to watch and has undoubtably contributed to the success the Irvine junior teams have enjoyed this season."

As well as the support Louise offers young members at Irvine, she also dedicates a lot of her spare time to assist many juniors just starting out across Ayrshire in her role supporting the coaches at the Gailes Driving, where she is a valued and popular member of the team.

This is Louise’s final year as a Junior at Irvine, however, she already has plans to continue her golfing journey and to enroll in a golfing related course at the Highland’s University in Dornoch.

She has already shown her potential in the game with a number of wins across competitions at her home courses.

She has also notched numerous titles in open events played across the county, such as the West Kilbride Girls Junior Open and Tom Lehman Girls Junior Open. She won these two titles within a week of each other.

Louise is also a prominent figure within the West of Scotland Girls organisation - who she plays inter-county matches for, as well as playing in their own competitions.

The teen also played in the prestigious Scottish Girls Championship this year, which was made even more special as it was held at her home course Irvine.

A spokesperson for The Irvine Golf Club added: "I hope you agree that all of the above demonstrates the dedication Louise has to her golf, and golf in Ayrshire.

"We wish Louise well for her future and look forward to watching her golfing journey continuing. Very, very well deserved Louise."