Wire-to-wire winner Anna Foster claims "long-awaited" victory at 2024 Flogas Irish Women’s Amateur Open Championship at Woodbrook.
The 22-year-old Elm Park golfer was the overnight leader and closed out with three late birdies for a 70 to secure the title.
Marina Joyce-Moreno (Llavaneras) claimed the U-18 division on +2, but it was all about 2021 AIG Irish Women's Amateur Close Champion Foster, who has plenty of confidence heading to Portmarnock.
“I felt like it was a long time coming, to have a win like this,” said Foster.
“It means a lot to win the Irish Amateur. Being Irish, having won the Close a few years ago, it’s nice to win this one now as well.
“Portmarnock in a week for the British Am, that is exciting and I will carry a bit of confidence into that.”
Foster came into the final round with a two-shot lead ahead of the improving Annabel Wilson (Castlerock). She carded a 69 on Sunday, bringing her into contention and seeing her finish in second place.
Last year’s runner-up, Beth Coulter (Kirkistown Castle) applied the early pressure with six birdies and an eagle. Elsewhere, the reigning two-time champion Lorna McClymont (Milngavie) secured the day's lowest round with a brilliant 68. That moved her up to T4 alongside Kate Lanigan (Hermitage).
However, the winner always looked like coming from the last group of Foster, Wilson and Emma Fleming (Elm Park) with that trio having their own battle out on course.
Fleming, reigning Bridgestone Order of Merit champion, birdied four of her opening five holes to charge into a share of the lead. She was tied at the top with Foster after nine holes at -9, while Wilson trailed behind on -6.
But Fleming struggled after the turn. She lost momentum following a bogey on 13, then Wilson fired two late birdies. She could only get to -8 with Foster sealing a comprehensive four-stroke win on -12.
“I am really happy with how I played all week and the mental game was really strong today, when both of the girls, Emma and Annabel, were playing really solid on the front nine. It was definitely a test,” said Foster.
“I got off to an okay start but Emma got off to such a hot start and then Annabel was playing really solid as well.
“It was just really tight in the middle there and then I took advantage of some of the Par 5s on the back and that was on the only difference really.”
Period Supportive Movement
To ensure that women and girls feel comfortable and welcome at Golf Ireland events, this year's Irish Women’s Amateur Open Championship at Woodbrook was held in support of the Period Supportive Movement; a global movement supporting Period Positivity.
Golf Ireland also collaborated with FabLittleBag for the tournament to provide free menstrual products for players and supporters. Products were available in the toilets and from the Golf Ireland van on-site.
