A top class field including international Paula Grant (Lisburn) will take to the course at Mullingar this week in the hope of being crowned Irish Ladies’ Close Champion.
A top class field, including Irish Internationals and last week’s Ladies British Open Amateur Championship leading stroke play qualifier Paula Grant (Lisburn) will take to the course at Mullingar this week in the hope of being crowned Irish Ladies’ Close Champion.
2016 Champion Olivia Mehaffey (Royal County Down Ladies) will not return to defend her title but there is a host of players who will be gunning for the top spot come Sunday afternoon.
Great Britain & Ireland (GB&I) Vagliano Trophy player Maria Dunne (Skerries) alongside Grant and Castletroy’s Chloe Ryan will get play underway from the 1st tee on Thursday morning.
Last year’s runner-up, Louise Coffey (Malone), is scheduled to open her 2017 bid at 08:10 together with Girls’ International Valerie Clancy (Killarney) and recent Royal Portrush Scratch Cup winner Mary Dowling (New Ross). Sara Byrne (Douglas), who will also represent GB&I at the Junior Vagliano Trophy in Italy from 29 June – July 1, has had a stellar season so far, including good finishes at the Fairhaven Trophy as well as the Irish Girls’ and Women’s Open Stroke Play Championships, and will be hoping for a positive finish this week before heading to Bogogno.
The Irish Women’s Close Championship was last played over the Belvedere course in 1965, when Elizabeth Purcell (Milltown) beat Pat O’Sullivan (Tramore) by a 3&2 margin. More recently, the Irish Girls’ Close Championship was held at the David Jones designed course in 2008. That year saw Lisa Maguire (Slieve Russell) take the title when she overcame her sister Leona 4&3 in the final.
Having gone on to win the Irish Women’s Close the following year at Fota Island, Lisa returns this year, having completed her Junior year at Duke University, to compete for the title again. Mullingar is always in magnificent condition and will no doubt provide a significant test for Ireland’s elite.
Competitors play 36 holes stroke play on the first day with 32 players qualifying for the Championship match play. Those who are defeated in the first round of the Championship match play will then continue play in the Plate match play.
All information for the Irish Women’s Close Championship, including the draw can be found HERE.
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