GOLFING sensation Adelaide 'Addie' Francis' has just ended her best ever season which saw the talented eight-year-old traveling the world to compete in various competitions and claim titles.

After winning the British Callaway Championships at Thornbury, Bristol for girls aged 7-8 in April, Addie represented Great Britain at the World Callaway Championships in Torrey Pine, California, where 52 countries paraded their flags at the opening ceremony and each American state had a representative.

Addie played some amazing golf during the first round but picked up several points due to the inexperience of her acting caddy and mum Tracy.

Tracy told the Chronicle, "At that time I didn't really understand the rules of golf, and failed to take the flag off the green when Addie was putting which entailed a points penalty on each hole this happened."

The embarrassed mum quickly added, "Thankfully, lessons have been learnt, and a crash course lesson at the end of August has now brought me up to speed."

Despite the penalties, Addie ended the competition in 41st place.

Her mum explained, "Because it was her first world championships, we were hoping for a top 100 finish, so to come in the top 50 was fantastic. It was a great experience and since her return to Britain, Addie has been invited back to America to play in several other competitions."

Following her American adventure, Addie played the Wee Wonders qualifier at Dewstock, where she won the Girls U9 title, and earned an opportunity to play at St Andrews in Scotland.

In August, Addie was invited to Nailcote Hall to compete in the British Junior Par Three Championships.

The course and tees were the same as the professionals had played the previous day, and Addie finished the highest U8 placed girl.

Also in August, Addie won the Mini Masters Qualifier at Cwmbran, which is a charity event run by Golf Development Wales and Shelter Cymru. Addie was runner up to Kasumi Tram in the Under 10 section and more importantly she raised the most money for Shelter Cymru, who invited Addie to launch the Welsh Mini Masters at the Celtic Manor in May.

Addie has also played and attended several coaching and training camps at the Lee Westwood Golf School in Cheshire for the past year. Three weeks ago the school held their national championships for all golfers who have been attending the camps.

Only 45 children were invited to the national camp finals which was held in Gainsborough. Addie was surprised to win one of the sections, (chipping into specific buckets) and had the highest score for all age categories in this section. She was presented with her prize from Lee Westwood's mother.

Mum Tracy said, "Addie is a member of Alice Springs Golf Club who we will always be indebted to. She is also a member of Monmouthshire Golf Club, and I would like to say a big thank you to Irene, the junior golf organisor, for helping Addie out.

Addie's coaching is now structured by John McDonald from the Celtic Manor, were she trains twice a week. McDonald will now look after Addie and advise on the best way forward, as arranged by Golf Development Wales officers Zoe Thacker and Hannah Fitzpatrick

Tracey revealed, "Addie only plays golf twice a week, so we are amazed that she is competing with children who play every day. As parents we feel playing every day would not be healthy for Addie, because she enjoys doing so many other things, and it also might put her off wanting to play golf in the future.

"Addie also plays hockey for Gwent U9 mixed and is a member of the Mardy Tigers U11 football team. She also loves maths and was one of only three children in Monmouthshire to have a Gold Award for working three years and above at maths at the Kumon centre in Abergavenny. She is also a member of the Llanvair Kilgeddin School Choir and I would like to say a big thank-you to Mrs Evans from the school, for allowing Addie the time to attend events."

Tracy added, "Addie's dad Tom and I are very proud of our daughter and whatever happens in the future in terms of her golf, she has already enjoyed some very privileged and fantastic life experiences through the sport and met some lovely individuals."