A PRUDHOE golfer is returning to the big stage in America.

But this time Rebecca McGinley is aiming to improve on her title as third best lady in the world, targeting a higher finish after qualifying for the World Long Drive Championships, in Oklahoma.

In her debut year as a golf professional, Rebecca shot to stardom when she was crowned national champion of the American Golf Long Drive competition, going on to finish a terrific third in the worlds last November.

And she booked a return trip Stateside when she again topped the field from all entrants from the UK, hitting a mammoth drive of 318 yards on her way to glory.

Held at High Legh Golf Club, in Cheshire, she started her title defence with the 300 plus yard drive in her opening head-to-head battle to get off to a flyer.

However, there was increased competition this time round with long drive newcomers Olivia Raybould, Lorna McClymont and Rebecca O’Grady all registering distances in excess of 260 yards. Rebecca made her way to the final to meet Olivia, and sent out a drive measuring 299 yards in her first set of three which could not be bettered to book the Prudhoe resident’s place on the plane destined for Oklahoma.

She said: “I’m so pleased to have defended my American Golf Long Drive title. The competition was tough this year so I was pleased to get a couple of 300 yard drives on the board.

“Now I’ve qualified for the world finals, I’m going to have to up my game, but I know if I put the work in I can do American Golf and tournament sponsor Garmin proud and hopefully bring back a better finish than my third place last year.”

Rebecca’s performances in the past year has impressed all at American Golf, which is meeting the cost of sending her to the States.

Daniel Gathercole, director of marketing and communications, said: “Rebecca has been a fantastic ambassador for American Golf throughout her year as champion.

“Now Rebecca has a year’s more experience, and two titles under her belt, I’m really excited to see what she can do at the World Championships.”

Rebecca is currently in Finland as she is due to take part in the Evli Ladies Finnish Open as part of the Ladies’ European Tour Access Series.