JERSEY’S golfing sensation Olivia Jordan-Higgins admits she has had ‘to grow up so quickly’ since leaving the Island in August to take up a golf scholarship at Charleston Southern University in South Carolina.

It really has been brilliant.

I’ve grown up a lot and although I have had the best four months of my life, it certainly has been a rollercoaster,’ the 19-year-old said.

During a presentation at the Royal Jersey Golf Club to current PricewaterhouseCoopers School of Excellence members and other athletes and sports enthusiasts, Olivia explained how her new daily routine in America is ‘possibly the hardest thing I have had to get used to.’ It’s hardly surprising considering the new routine involves 5.30 am workouts three days a week, with the focus on cardiovascular exercise.

‘Our coach, Howard Vroon concentrates a lot on improving our stamina so that we are able to withstand the pressure of playing 36 holes continuously without stopping for lunch,’ Olivia added.

Following the early morning exercise, the former Beaulieu student will then have to be in class for 8 am for four hours of study before a half an hour break leads on to four and a half hours of golf practice.

‘My coach has been really good and he also spends a lot of time on the mental side of golf – teaching us to visualise the shots and helping us learn to stay in the present and play every shot as it counts without focusing on the past,’ said Olivia.

‘As most golfers know, the short game is the most important part of playing golf and therefore 75 per cent of our practice is from 90 yards and in, and this is really what’s made the biggest difference to my game.’ Competing in the top division of America’s National Collegiate Athletic Association, Olivia, who plays off a three handicap, has more than kept up with the pace – she has excelled.

With top three finishes under her belt, Olivia is now ranked 82 in Division I of the league which features America’s top colleges and universities.

‘You are playing against some of the best college players in the nation,’ Olivia added.

When she came second in the Great Smokies Women’s Collegiate Championships, Olivia claimed 11 birdies and finished just two shots behind the leader with a tournament low four-under-par 68 earning her the Big South co-Women’s Golfer of the Week award.

However, Olivia appreciates the balance of being on a scholarship.

‘Before you even think about playing golf you have to get good grades.

It is a lot of hard work but I make sure I pass because if you don’t keep up your grades, you don’t make the golf team.’ After four months in America, Olivia admits: ‘The hardest thing has been missing home and knowing that you can’t just get up and go home but although it’s been hard I’ve never wanted to leave – I just keep going because I want it so badly.

‘I thought I was going to struggle to make friends but it’s actually been one of the easiest things – I’ve met so many new and different people and everyone is just so nice – it’s because of my friends I have had the best time ever.’ With the dream of becoming a professional tour golfer, Olivia lays much of her praise on the PwC School of Excellence.

‘It helped me to develop and grow as a golfer and person.

As I was the only girl in the school, I was always required to play and practice with the boys, which was beneficial to me.

‘Trying to beat them was a great incentive …

and still is! I benefited a lot from the opportunity and for me, all this would not be possible without their help.’ Looking to the year ahead, Olivia said: ‘I’m most looking forward to playing golf in the UK in the summer.

I’ll be back in May for two and a half months and I’ll be playing in England in the Strokeplay Championships as well as defending my Island and Channel Islands titles.’