On another remarkable day at the British Women’s Amateur Championship, Jóhanna Lea Lúðvíksdóttir made history when she became the first Icelandic player to reach the illustrious final – in her first attempt.
Covid has robbed the event of much of the top continental talent, but the remarkable progress of Jóhanna Lea, who only just qualified for the knockout stages, still represents an incredible achievement. The 19-year-old from Reykjavik GC has barely played any major competitions outside of her native country and her 11 over par total at Barassie Links (Kilmarnock) left her just one shot above the cut line on Tuesday.
Standing in her way tomorrow morning (8.30am start) is Scotland’s Louise Duncan (pictured above), who has been the model of consistency throughout the six-day event. The West Kilbride star qualified in seventh from the 36-hole strokeplay and her scoring throughout the knockout stages has been the best of any player.
Jess Baker has the week of her life at Hunstanton
In an epic semi-final against fellow Scot Hannah Darling this afternoon, the 21-year-old recorded four birdies and three bogeys in 18 holes on a course where par golf puts you in the stand-out category. Fittingly she also carved out a fifth at the first extra play-off hole to see off the brilliant 17-year-old.
The World No 415 was three under par for her 14 holes in her last 16 tie with Ireland’s Sara Byrne, was level par in taking out England international Jess Baker in the quarter-final this morning and then one under in the semi-final.
Louise, who in February won an R&A Student Tour Series event in Portugal against some of Europe’s best players by a staggering 12 shots, said: “Both matches I played today were extremely tight matches and I thoroughly enjoyed playing with both Jess and Hannah – both truly great players.
“The wind was tough but nothing that we haven’t had before.
“I am looking forward to tomorrow!”
The Icelandic teenager has not been able to match Louise’s scoring but the quality of her beaten opponents means she must have a great chance in tomorrow’s 36-hole final. Today she came back from three down with five to play against Curtis Cup squad member Shannon McWilliam (Scotland) and earned her final place at the 19th having earlier beaten surprise last eight contender – Ireland Kate Lanigan 3&1.
Yesterday Jóhanna Lea enjoyed a stunning last 16 victory over 2019 champion Emily Toy (England). The Devon player was one of the favourites coming into the event.