BELVOIR Park’s Gail Linter is the new Irish Women’s Amateur Close Champion, winning the title at Kilkeel.
Gail faced leading qualifier, Deirdre Smith (Co Louth) in the final after a 2&1 victory over Tracy Eakin (Dooks) in the semi-final.
It was an enthralling final and when Gail missed her chance to seal the win on 18, she battled back and won with a birdie on the first extra hole.
“I can’t believe it, I wasn’t expecting it,” said Gail.
“I’ve come on the Seniors a few years ago but I would never have expected this in my wildest dreams.”
Galway golfer Joe Lyons won the Men’s title.
Karl Bornemann (Douglas) won the Irish Veteran Men’s Amateur Close Championship while Sheena McElroy (Grange) claimed the Irish Senior Women’s Amateur Close Plate.
Picture: Golffile/Fran Caffrey
All the winners
