Norfolk champion Jennifer Hide will spend her last season in junior golf as the county girls' captain.

Hide, from Royal Norwich, became the youngest-ever county champion when she took the title last year at the age of 16. She is excited by her new role, which she will combine with a demanding year.

She is now 17 and in her last year at school and heading for A-Level exams in maths, law and history. She hopes her results will be her passport to a university career on a golf scholarship in the USA and she is already weighing up her offers.

'I want a good degree, warm weather, lots of golf and a friendly team and coaches,' said the four-handicapper, who ultimately hopes to turn professional.

In the meantime, she's planning to spend time with Norfolk's youngest, up and coming players as well as with those in the elite squad and county teams.

Hide, a county first team player, has represented Norfolk girls for years and is sure she'll miss the experience when she leaves junior ranks at the end of this season.

Her goals this year include cutting her handicap to two and, exams permitting, defending her county title.

Meanwhile, selected Norfolk elite girls will gear up for the season with a session with England coach Paul Ashwell at Wyboston Lakes, dealing with the correct mental approach to the game. It has been made possible by the continued support of the ladies of Royal West Norfolk who have made a major investment in the girls over recent years.

'They are fantastic supporters and their help allows us to include these valuable options,' said Carol Delf, the acting county junior organiser. Last year, a select group travelled to Woodhall Spa to take advantage of the short game practice facilities.

The Norfolk girls' organisation caters for youngsters at all levels of the game. Academies are run at both King's Lynn and Sprowston Manor offering those with and without handicaps a series of coaching sessions for just �20.

The elite girls, who represent the county in matches, have their own programme.

There are also competitions for girls at all levels, including a short course series and events which pair girls with ladies, such as the Young Cup knockout and the Fowler Trophy greensome competition. In addition there is a handicap challenge and an order of merit.

For more details about Norfolk girls activities visit the junior section of www.norfolkladiesgolf.co.uk.