REFRESHED, fit-again and keen to build on a promising start is how Darlington's Ellie Givens is feeling after teeing herself up for a much enjoyable year on the Ladies European Tour.

The Rockliffe Hall attached pro has already been in the money after last weekend's tied sixth placed finish at the Turkish Airlines Ladies Open, which has filled her with plenty of confidence after a frustrating 12 months.

Her rookie first season on the LET was severely affected and restricted by a torn ligament as well as ankle and leg problems. Surgery just before Christmas ruled her out until last month, but she is already feeling rejuvenated.

She climbed to 59th in the LET Order of Merit by collecting the €7,025 in Turkey and is keen to build on that over the next couple of weeks in Scandinavia.

Givens said: "I think my result in Turkey was down to playing steady, sensible golf and really concentrating on hitting as many fairways and greens as possible.

"It was a really tough, narrow course and I did a good job staying focused and patient throughout the event. I've had my first top ten finish and I'm obviously looking to take the next step by winning an event and have some more good finishes."

Givens has a conditional card which means she does not automatically play in all LET events. That is why she is in Sweden competing in the Kristianstad Ahus Ladies Open - and is sitting third after two rounds - and heads over to the Solvesborg Ladies Open next week on the LET Access Series.

Invitations will come round again for the LET, where last Sunday's first top ten placing is already better than she achieved in any of the 11 LET events she appeared in last year.

"Hopefully the result in Turkey will help me move up the exemption list," said the University of Denver graduate. "When I don't have LET events to play in I fill my schedule with LET Access Series events because I have a full card on that."

Givens' finish in her first tournament of the year was more pleasing because she still feels there is greater room for improvement having spent so long overcoming injury concerns.

"Due to the surgery I haven't really had any chance to really work on my game in the off season or make any major changes," said Givens, helped financially by Ivanhoe of Sweden who provide her clothes on Tour.

"But I have worked hard on my putting over the last couple of months and saw some major improvements this week. I really struggled with my putting last season so hopefully I can continue improving on it this year.

"I am hoping to build on the momentum and confidence gained from Turkey to win events on both the Access and LET tours and to have consistently strong results."