The 25-year-old, a member of Sandiway Golf Club, turned professional on August 18 after a fine individual display in Great Britain & Ireland's losing Curtis Cup team.

She has remained in the United States and is attempting to qualify to play on the US professional tour.

Her father Colin, who lives in Sandbach, said: "It is a steep learning curve for Elaine at the moment. She missed the cut by one shot in her first pre-qualifier for the US Tour in Florida. She's in Los Angeles at the moment preparing for another qualifier."

Elaine suffered a dip in form during her first pre-qualifier which resulted in a second round of six over par - and an early exit.

It is a rigorous qualifying process for the US Tour which entails making the final 30 in a pre-qualifier before going on to play in a qualifying tournament for the Tour itself.

Her father admitted Elaine is facing a daunting task to qualify.

He added: "It is a whole new world. Even young Justin Rose is struggling after turning professional.

"Elaine just has to give it time to adapt. If she doesn't qualify for the Tour it won't be the end of the world. There are a lot of good English professionals who will struggle to qualify as well."

If Elaine qualifies in Los Angeles she will be able to return home for the first time in over two months. She will then have to return to the States to compete in a qualifier before entering another pre-qualifier in Portugal for the European Tour in November.

The European qualifier should be less daunting, but Elaine's father remained cautious: "Every qualifier is going to be tough if you aren't playing well. But if you're on top of your game it shouldn't be a problem," he said.

Elaine proved in her final singles tournament as an amateur three weeks ago what talent she has. She reached the last eight of the US Amateur Championship after qualifying for the match play section with a score of two over par after two rounds at the Barton Hills course in Michigan.

She was knocked out by the eventual winner, but was happy with her display, saying afterwards: "I played some of my best golf but was beaten two and one by the best golfer, on her day, I have ever come up against."

Elaine will be hoping to rediscover that form this week in Los Angeles as she bids to bring her dream of playing on the US Professional Tour one step closer to reality

Elaine needs sponsorship to help maintain her challenge for professional success. If you think you can help, ring her father, Colin, on 01270 760110.

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