A short-term property finance provider has announced a new sponsorship deal with a 15-year-old Monmouthshire golf prodigy.
Signature Property Finance, headquartered in Cardiff, will sponsor Abergavenny's Alicia Kelly, winner of last year’s Gareth Bale Championship at Celtic Manor, for another year.
Alicia began playing golf at the age of two, and the sport has become an integral part of her life ever since.
She said: "When I picked up my first golf club at two years old, I had no idea the sport would become such a big part of my life.
"My entire family and especially my dad have supported me so much over the last few years and in the future, I hope I can repay their confidence in me with a few tournament wins on the LPGA tour."
The sponsorship will cover some of her travelling expenses, tournament entry fees and accommodation throughout the year across the UK and Europe.
She added: "Everything about the sport is expensive, from travelling to train with the Wales Golf U18 National Squad to clubs and the support from businesses like Signature is a great help.
"I hope to see more of Tony and his team as I compete this year, dedicating a trophy to Signature would be great – and may get me another sponsorship deal for next year."
Signature CEO Tony Gilbertson said: "As a short-term property finance provider we support property developers and investors across England, Scotland and Wales, but we're proud of our Welsh heritage, employ plenty of Welsh speakers and support our community.
"Alicia is a rare talent for one so young and as with the developments we support, it is great to be involved and be part of their journey to success."
However, Mr Gilbertson noted that Alicia is not just a prodigy, she also "trains hard on the course and in the gym and shows an unwavering dedication to the sport."
Mr Gilbertson concluded: "It was great to arrange for Alicia to play the 2010 Ryder Cup course at Celtic Manor with our brand ambassador Scott Quinnell.
"They played together against her father Jayde and Signature’s CCO, Thomas Howells and I was told diplomatically the match was tied on the last hole."
He is also looking forward to 'ball spotting again for Alicia at the U18 Home Nations tournament in Cork this August.'
This sponsorship is part of Signature's initiative to increase their involvement in the local community, which includes partnerships with special school Ysgol Ty Coch and Pontypridd RFC.
