KENT'S Karen Stupples begins her fifth season on the US Women’s golf tour today when she competes in the first round of the LPGA Welch’s/Fry’s Championship in Tucson, Arizona.

The 29-year-old Deal professional is approaching the new campaign full of confidence after finishing a career-high 46th on last season’s moneylist with winnings of $214,760 (£135,069).

Stuples, now based in Florida with her husband and caddie David, said: “I want to finish in the top 30 this year because that would mean I could play in the Tournament of Champions event at the end of the season. I gained three top 10 finishes last season, and hopefully this year I would like to achieve five - and win my first tournament.”

Her father Alan, who lives in James Hall Gardens, Deal, said: “Karen has been working hard on her fitness for the last couple of months and is feeling in good shape.”