A MONMOUTH schoolgirl has surprised even herself by winning a national golf tournament.

Millie Cottrell, who is a Gloucestershire county gymnast, won the Welsh Mini Masters at the Celtic Manor golf course in her age group last month, beating fellow 10-11 year-old girls from across the country.

The Mini Masters is a tournament that is open to young golfers that have not yet joined a golf club or who have recently joined a club but have not yet obtained a handicap of below 28.

After being entered and winning her first tournament in Cardiff, Millie, who is a member at Celtic Manor with her dad Julian, won the event at the prestigious course which hosted the Ryder Cup in 2010.

“We’re so chuffed that Millie has managed to get this far” said Julian.

“We went into the end of the day at the Celtic Manor with absolutely no expectations, just like always, and she was at the top of the leaderboard.

“At this age group there’s some very talented players who are really starting to get with the programme and developing their swings. We’re all so proud of her.”