Irish eyes were smiling at the Barassie Links (Kilmarnock) today as the first round of the Women’s Amateur Championship threw up some stunning golf and results.
Of the 64 players that made it through into the knockout stages in Scotland, seven were from across the Irish Sea and six of Ireland contingent reached the last 32 in some style.
Leading the way was Lahinch’s Aine Donegan, who faced the daunting propsect of tackling strokeplay leader, Iceland’s Ragnhildur Kristinsdottir.
Nineteen shots separated the two players in the 36-hole strokeplay qualifying but the Munster ace turned that form on its head to book a second round clash with Scotland’s Shannon McWilliam, who also won 4&3.
The Irish challengers enjoyed some big victories, not least the 19-year-old Croham Hurst prospect Canice Screene, who had a great day with the putter as she saw off home favourite Jennifer Rankine (Haggs Castle) 5&4.
“It’s the furthest I’ve got in an event like this,” said Canice. “I’m very happy with my win as I wasn’t hitting my drives great but I holed a lot of good putts which helped a lot!”
On a day when the back nine played long, bigger hitters had a distinct advantage over the closing holes which made the victory of 13-year-old Roisin Scanlon (Woburn) all the more impressive.
Tackling the highly-regarded Leicestershire star Jessica Bailey, the youngest competitor in the field came back from two down with three to play to force a play-off and then holed out from eight feet for a birdie to earn her victory at the third extra hole. She had also birdied 16 to halve the deficit.
“There are a lot of top players in this event so I am surprised I have got this far,” said the teenager, who shot to prominence when she qualified for the final of the Daily Telegraph Junior Golf Championship aged just 11.
“I feel good and I will just keep on going.”
She holed a nerve jangling four footer to win the 18th and keep her match alive before playing the third extra hole (the par four third) like an experienced pro to see things out – middle of the fairway; middle of the green and two putts for it but she only needed one.
The teenager now meets the second youngest player in the competition – the Scottish junior sensation Grace Crawford (West Links Junior).
The 14-year-old was just 13 when she broke the course record at Winterfield last year and also claimed the Scottish U-14s in 2019.
Another eye-catching victory came from talented Royal Troon teenager Hazel MacGarvie, who lives just walking distance from the course. She was disappointed with approach play in the strokeplay stages but put that right against Katie Warren (Malborough) as she posted a 6&5 win
“I thought I played well today,” said Hazel. “I struggled with my irons yesterday but thankfully I improved on them today and managed to give myself some birdie opportunities. I was under par; which in the conditions today I’m really happy with.”
Another 6&5 winner was 16-year-old Welsh talent Gracie Mayo (Newport (Gwent)), who went on the attack against Lincolnshire’s Billie-Jo Smith (Woodhall Spa) to set up a mouth-watering second-round tie with England international Ellie Gower (Dunbracken Ladies)
“I went into today with the strategy of playing more aggressive,” said Gracie. “I got off to a great start and managed to keep pushing forward throughout.
“The back nine played long in the conditions but made sure I stuck to my game plan and left the ball in the right places although it helped holing a few clutch putts along the way too.”
Of the leading candidates there was a battle royale for 2019 champion Emily Toy (Carlyon Bay), who eventually overcame Scotland’s Clara Young (North Berwick) at the first extra hole while last year’s runner-up Annabell Fuller (Roehampton) was behind early to Davina Xanh (Mendip Springs) but eased to a 3&2 win.
There was also first round victories for home hope Hannah Darling (Broomieknowe), 2019 Ireland champion Beth Coulter (Kirkistown Castle) and highly talented Close House 15-year-old Maggie Whitehead.
To view all the first round results click here
To view tomorrow’s second round matches click here