NELSON’S Kirsty O’Con-nor has described her five-year American adv-enture as an ‘absolutely brilliant’ experience – though her Stateside mission is not over yet.

The 23-year-old returned to British shores last week after completing her first season as a graduate assistant coach at the University of Akron in Ohio.

She was back in time to compete in the Welsh Ladies’ Close Championship, an event she won in 2008.

On this occasion, at Royal St David’s, in Harlech, O’Connor reached the quarter-finals where she was defeated by eventual champion Becky Harries.

But the Burnley-born ace, who represented Wales at the European Champion-ships in 2008, is keen to make a big impact this summer before jetting back to America in August.

O’Connor initially spent four years as a scholar at Ball University in Indiana, where she enjoyed success on the college circuit, not to mention loving life across the Atlantic pond.

“It’s just been absolutely brilliant,” said the Lancashire county player, who took up the sport seriously at 13. “I’ve loved being out in America. I love the lifestyle and I’ve made so many friends.

“It was mainly team golf at Ball University – that was the focus. But I did win two individual events in my four years there.

“I’ve got one more year left at Akron. I’ve been the assistant coach there, looking after the team while I earn a master’s degree in education.

“I had not done any coaching until last year, but it’s been a great experience and that’s something I may do in the future. I’ve also not given up the thought of turning professional, that’s always been my dream.”

O’Connor, who plays at Nelson every Thursday, added: “I don’t go back to America until mid-August. Until then, I’ll probably play in about seven or eight events this summer back here.”