Olivia Jackson '15 Recruiting Profile

Ever since I heard about the opportunity to play college golf in America, I knew it would play a big part, not only in my education, but also in where I wanted my golf to go.

When I picked up my first golf club at 10 I knew I had a real passion for it, though I didn’t start playing golf seriously until I was 13 when I competed in my first national competition. Playing at this level gave me the aspiration to play golf professionally.

I am 5’10” my swing speed has just been measured by my England coach on the flight scope with my driver at 100 mph. I’m averaging 260-70 yards off the tee and have on some occasions hit drives of 300 yards.  I am striving to improve all aspects of my game and have worked hard to get technically, physically and mentally stronger this last year. My long game is now being complimented by a much-improved short game, which I am spending this winter with my coach developing further. I understand fully the commitment it takes to be good, I have the desire and am developing the skills to play at a high level.

I have played golf regularly for my county of Yorkshire and was awarded my colours 2 years ago. Last season I captained the county team. I have been in the England training/development squad for 3 years and I am currently doing a 2 year course with England for a qualification in golf (AASE).

I take my fitness very seriously, working out 2/ 3 times a week plus a swim of 50 lengths. I have played county level Netball and love to play badminton in my free time.  In athletics I achieved regional level in the 100m, 200m, 100m relay and high jump.  I have skied since I was 2 years old though this has had to take a back seat now my golf commitments have increased this last two / three years.

I work hard to balance my education and Golf and I’m currently averaging a grade B in my ‘A’ levels studying Biology, Product Design and Philosophy & Ethics. I have 11 GCSE’s A-C grades. I really enjoy languages and I continue to learn French and Spanish out of school.

I would like to go to a university where I will be pushed in the classroom and where I can play and develop my golf at the highest level. I do not have a preferred state and I am open to all options though I would ultimately like somewhere where the weather is more reliable than England so I can play all through the winter!