FERN Grimshaw has written herself into the history books by becoming the first English woman to qualify for the final of the Powerade PGA Assistants’ Championship in its 80-year history.

The 23-year-old from Weymouth, secured a spot in the final with a one-over par 72 at the West Region qualifier at Cirencester.

Grimshaw is in her first year of PGA training having graduated from Bethune Cookman College in Daytona Beach, Florida, where she was a winner on the American college circuit.

She was one of 14 assistants from the region to make it through to the grand final at East Sussex National from July 28-30.

Grimshaw, who is based at the Wessex Golf Centre under the watchful eye of two-time PGA Cup player Jon Bevan, has just completed the first year of her training programme and admitted reaching the final at the first attempt was a pleasant surprise.

“As it’s my first year I wasn’t really expecting to do much, especially against the lads because of the way tournament courses are set up,” said the 23-year-old who has been coached by Bevan for seven years.

“I was hoping to do well but to actually qualify was a big shock.

“There are not many ladies’ events so playing alongside the men does take some getting used to. Jon had said it would take a couple of years so, given this result and a couple in the region, I’m pleased with what I’ve done so far.”

Grimshaw also admitted that Bevan’s playing success along with 2009 PGA play-offs winner Michael Watson, who is also based at Wessex, provides her with plenty of motivation.

She said: “Everyone at the centre knows what they have achieved and it does spur me on to try and follow in their footsteps. I’m Jon and Michael’s ‘little assistant’ and having reached a national final at the first attempt, I’m on that path.”

While Grimshaw is at the tournament, Bevan will be keeping tabs on his protégé.

She added: “He’s always on the phone to me whether I’m at a tournament or he’s at one just to see how I’m getting on.

“If I have a problem I know he’s at the end of the line and he’s brilliant like that. I can explain something to him and because he knows my swing inside out he can tell me what to do. I couldn’t ask for a better coach.”