A YOUNG woman killed in a car crash was a talented golf star with the world at her feet.

Sophie Kennard, 24, died when the white Mercedes she was driving skidded on the wet A27 and hit a lamp post before spinning round and hitting the central reservation of the A27.

The crash happened on the westbound carriageway at the Patcham turn-off on Sunday morning.

Friends and family paid tribute to rising star Sophie, who was qualified to professional standard.

Sussex County Ladies Gold Association chairwoman Pat Johns said: “She was incredibly talented.

“She could have done anything.

“She took up pro-golf but went back to being an amateur because she decided it wasn’t what she wanted to do with her life.

“It is horrendous.

“We have had so many people making such wonderful comments about her.

“She was so popular with everyone, so calm with the young players and incredibly encouraging.”

Sussex played for Sussex in the ladies’ county team in 2015. She recently began working in the pro shop at Dyke Golf Club.

“She will be hugely missed by the staff and members at the club,” Pat said.

Sophie’s family are hoping to find a doctor who was first on the scene to help her after the crash at 7.40am on Sunday.

Her uncle said: “The family understands that the first person on the scene was another driver who happened to be a doctor. We would like to track down the doctor to thank them for trying to help. If anyone knows who this was please let me know.”

Paying tribute to Sophie on social media Aaron Woolgar said: “Rest in peace. You are going to be massively missed.”

Trisha Munro said: “I had fun with you in college and school. Shine Bright. Heaven’s gained another angel.

“My heart and love go out to your Mumma.”

Sophie’s car crashed as traffic on the A27 battled with 70mph winds and heavy rain. It is thought her car skidded across the wet road.

The dual carriageway was shut for several hours as emergency services tried to save Sophie but she died almost instantly.

The section of the road is straight but prone to surface water.

One Argus reader said: “This stretch of road is extremely bad for aquaplaning.

“You only have to be going 50mph to experience it but an inexperienced driver can panic then one thing leads to a other and tragic circumstances will occur.”

A spokesman for Sussex Police said: “At 7.40am on Sunday the car collided with a lamp post and then a crash barrier on the westbound A27 at Patcham and the 24-year-old woman driving the car, who was the sole occupant, sustained serious injuries.

“She was treated by paramedics but tragically was confirmed dead at the scene.”

Anyone who saw what happened should call 101 quoting Operation Glenfield.

Are you the doctor who tried to help Sophie? Call The Argus on 01273 021394.