At 18, Kiran Matharu is interested in clubs - only she’s passing up stilettos and clutches for spikes and a caddy. BC caught up with her at the Dubai Ladies Masters last month to talk breaking into the world of professional ladies golf, travel, men and money.

How did a Yorkshire lass get involved in golf?

Golf is very popular in the UK and a lot of people play there. In Yorkshire, there are lots of courses so it is easy to get involved.

What’s the attraction?

Competing and playing in tournaments mainly but I love practicing too! I love this sport and improving my game keeps me loving it.

What do your friends think?

My friends are used to me always playing golf. They tell people we meet that I am this pro-golfer - it can be quite embarrassing.

What is life like in the world of professional golf?

It is very different from the amateur game. I am travelling every week to play against better and better players and when I’m successful, I win money! Any gossip from inside the circuit? The ladies tour is a very tight circle and we have this unwritten rule that we don’t talk about anything off the course so, sorry, no gossip from me!

How do you balance your career, education and social life?

I finished school at 16 but before that I had to take time off to compete. My social life exists only between tournaments; when I’m at home, I enjoy seeing my friends.

Your game keeps getting better. What’s behind your continuing development?

I’ve had the same coach for the past six years and am now very aware of my game. I know it’s a cliché but I am always working hard on improving. A new puffing coach has helped me work on my short game too.

Has that affected your earnings?

The better I get, the more I earn; that’s the plan anyway. I have earned over €70,000 since turning pro with sponsorship deals - from companies like Puma - adding to the coffers.

In a world of equal opportunities, are you interested in playing against men?

No. Men are stronger which would give them an edge. I wouldn’t even think about playing against a man competitively until I am world number one.

Are professionals getting younger and is that changing the sport?

Definitely in the US and I am one of the youngest on the European tour. Together we’ve introduced golf to a generation of young people which is great for the sport.

What have been your greatest challenges?

You have to complete the LPGA tour school in order to play the US tour; some people have been trying for ten years and still have not qualified. I’ve been there for experience but next year I am going to try for real. That will be my biggest challenge: getting the LPGA card and winning on the European tour.

Who inspires you and why?

Tiger Woods is the perfect sportsman: he works hard and performs well and he never puts himself down. Laurena Ochoa, the best female player, also she is very down to earth.

Any tips for surviving the relentless travelling?

Go to sleep! Get as much rest as you can - it doesn’t matter if you are travelling through the night or day, sleep helps you adapt to time differences quickly.

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