The Berkhamsted Collegiate pupil competed at the HSBC Wee Wonders Grand Final at St Andrews, beating off competition from a record number of 3,800 youngsters to qualify for the main event in Scotland.

She only just missed out on a podium finish with rounds of 74 and 88 over the 18-hole course.

Alice, who lives in Potten End and plays at Berkhamsted Golf Club, finished a creditable sixth on the testing St Andrews fairways but the 11-year-old is already dreaming of a return in 2009 to land the top prize.

"This my third Wee Wonders event and I am improving all the time," she said.

"I really like playing at St Andrews everyone puts in a lot of effort and hopefully I can come back stronger next year.

"I've been looking forward to coming as soon as I qualified at Aldwickbury Park. It's really hard to qualify and I feel really lucky to be able to play here.

"I was a little bit nervous when I started but everyone was really helpful and I was pleased with my efforts."

This was the latest in a string of impressive achievements for Alice during 2008.

She finished 19th in the England under 13 Girls Championships and, as one of only four British competitors, came 31st at Callaway Junior World Championships in San Diego, California.

Top players including Tiger Woods, Ernie Els and Phil Michelson all won the tournament at some stage during their development.

"This has been a great year for me," Alice added. "I'm pleased to have played in the US, up at St. Andrews and in the England under 13s, but I also know I left a few shots out on the course, which gives me something to work on for next season."

As well as excelling on the golf course Alice is a natural in the swimming pool. The Berkhamsted Barracudas swimmer is a Herts Girls County and East Regional Champion, holding six county records and one regional record.

She dedicates around nine hours a week to swimming, and a similar number to her golf.

Dad Dominic said: "We are so proud of Alice's achievement both in the pool and on the golf course.

"It is very difficult to specialise in two sports simultaneously but her hunger to train and compete continues to amaze us. Our main goal is to ensure Alice continues to enjoy her sport and keeps a healthy school,sport and life balance.

"All said, Alice better watch out as her little sister Abigail wants to beat her at everything!"

In the UK, HSBC supports a number of initiatives, including the HSBC Wee Wonders tournament, which is open to all young golfers aged between five and 12.