KAYLEIGH Mulholland of Moyola Park is the new Ulster 18 Girls’ Amateur Open Champion.
Kayleigh shot 79 on the final day at Kingfisher Hilton Templepatrick to win by two strokes over Ellen O’Shaughnessy (Co.Louth) who returned 76 in her final round. Kayleigh also collected the U16 Championship.
Meanwhile, Lara Tennant of Waverley Country Club, USA, is the 2024 Irish Senior Women’s Amateur Open Champion after coming through a two-hole playoff to win the title at Lough Erne Golf Resort.
Tennant shot a final round 69 (-3), the low round of the day, and was rewarded with a place in a three-way playoff alongside overnight leader Terrill Samuel of Canada and Spain’s Natalia Martínez-Reboredo, who each finished on six-over par.
The Par 3 18th played host to the sudden death playoff which led to an exciting finish. After each of the trio made par on their first attempt, they returned to the tee for another go and on this occasion Tennant’s fantastic approach left a short putt for birdie, which she holed to claim the win.
“I’m just so pleased with my day, I’m pleased with the tournament, kudos to my fellow competitors. Three of us in the final holes, in a playoff, anyone can win. So I just feel very fortunate that I was able to birdie that last hole” said the three-time U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur champion.
Preparing on the tee for the second play off hole, Tennant knew exactly what was required and duly delivered.
“By that time I had played the hole three times, so I was pretty confident in my club selection and that always helps you. I hit a good shot, the wind took it a little left and the distance seemed to be very good,” recalled the recently crowned Scottish Women’s Senior Amateur champion.
Standing over that final putt, the Portland, Oregon golfer removed the pressure from the situation and just focused on giving herself a chance.
“Just get the ball to the hole, keep my head still, and you know, just try to put a good stroke on it. You don’t have that much control beyond that. So I tried not to think about it’s for the win. You just think – you just try to make this putt”
There’s not much rest for Tennant who immediately flew to England to prepare for the R&A Senior Amateur Championship at Staunton, where she will look to complete a hat-trick of wins across GB&I, and heads there in a buoyant mood.
“I’m feeling great, I never expected to win the Irish Amateur, so this is a bonus,” she said.
Shane Kenneally (Kinsale GC) and Lara Tennant (Waverley Country Club, USA) winners of the Irish Senior Close and Open Championships 2024, played at Lough Erne (Picture: David Lloyd/Golffile)
