GEORGIA Hall hopes her success at the Ricoh Women's British Open can inspire girls to turn to golf and help attract new sponsors to the Ladies' European Tour.

Wimborne-based Hall claimed her first major by two strokes at Royal Lytham, finishing 17 under for the tournament, and could now act as a lightning rod for participation and investment.

She said: "I couldn't believe so many young girls and boys were watching me, wanting a picture or an autograph.

"Hopefully, I can encourage a lot of young girls out there to take up the game. I want to be a good role model for young girls in Britain."

Hall netted a £383,000 winners' cheque for her efforts and while that is a welcome reward for a career with no financial security, she is equally keen to see the wider benefits of her moment in the spotlight.

She added: "I hope it will bring more sponsorship to the Ladies' European Tour. It's definitely growing and I try to support them when I can. I'm still a member and it's my home.

"I had to miss roughly three majors because I couldn't afford to get there, which was frustrating as I'd qualified. As an amateur, it's hard but I knew if I played well that could get me to these places."