A SOLDIER from St Helens has chipped in to lead the Army to victory in a top forces golf tournament.

Private Kimberly Woodward, 23, who serves with the Germany-based 28 Engineer Regiment, has been playing golf since she was 13.

She played for the Lancashire Ladies team and proved to be so talented that she was offered a scholarship in America at 16.

However she turned it down as she was not ready to move away from home.

After a period away from golf she took it up again after joining the Army in 2010. She quickly gained a handicap of eight, and went on to help the Army win the Interservices Golf Championship in Aldershot last month.

The former Rainford High student said: “I am playing better than I have ever played before. I am more eager than ever and have never enjoyed golf as much as I do now. It was a fantastic experience to win the Interservices title.”

Sporty Kimberly, who played football before getting into golf added: “Football was always my first love, and I started playing when I was six. A spotter saw me, and I got a trial at Everton, where I played in their under 10 and 12 teams. I really enjoyed football, but now want to focus on my golf.”

Kimberly, who works in the admin office and may deploy to Afghanistan in the future, added: “When I joined up I realised there were all sorts of sporting opportunities including playing golf. It was the best career choice I have ever made.”