SOPHIE Keech is “excited but nervous” ahead of her first full year as a professional golfer.

The Axminster-based former member of Lyme Regis Golf Club begins life on the LET Access Tour in France at the end of March.

Keech, 19, is used to spending time away from home having been a pupil at Millfield School, but it is still something of a step into the unknown.

“I’ll be travelling around Europe and that should be good experience for when I get on to the main Ladies’ European Tour,” she said. “It will give me experience of tour life and what it’s like to play as a pro.

“There are lots of tournaments and I think I’ll be away for three weeks in August.

“I went to Millfield School so I’m used to being away from home, and I love the travelling.

“I’m really excited but nervous in a way because it’s going to be completely different to what I was used to as an amateur.

“It’s going to be fairly busy but hopefully I’ll get a few invites to competitions on the main tour as well.”

Although it is all going to be new for the Axminster resident, the teenager nonetheless has goals she wants to fulfil.

“Every year as an amateur I wanted to win a big event and I don’t see why that should change now,” she added. “It would be brilliant in my first year.

“I’m also aiming to make all the cuts in the tour events.”

Keech, who is hoping to travel to Portugal for some winter training before that first event in France, is also eager to attract sponsors to help her play to her potential.

“Parkstone Golf Club have really helped me out but I do need more,” she said.

“I need anything that could help with travelling, accommodation, golf equipment and clothing.”