Annabel Wilson capped off a fantastic 2017 season by claiming the GB&I women’s order of merit.
Each year there are roughly 15 tournaments set out by the LGU that earn players qualifying points for the GB&I order of merit. This year Annabel Wilson started her season early by playing in the Portuguese and Spanish amateur championships to get herself “into the competitive mode early”.
After making the cut in both, Wilson travelled to France to compete in the u21 French amateur. Having missed the cut for the main title, Wilson bounced back fast and took home the Cartier Trophy in the u18 match-play section.
The Lurgan golfer showed no signs of let-up, placing tied-third in the Irish Girls’ Open strokeplay, having jumped up several spots with a final flourish of 71. She then led the prestigious Scottish Amateur championship, ultimately pacing third once more.
The 16-year-old was selected to play on the women’s Vagliano team in Milan. Unfortunately, the Europeans played the better golf against the GB&I team but the experience was invaluable.
She brought that nous into the final Order of Merit counting event, the Ladies’ British strokeplay. An experienced head on Wilson’s youthful shoulders must have played a part as she posted four solid rounds to finish the championship as runner-up.
It was the performance that pushed Wilson over the line to win the GB&I Order of Merit over English international, Sophie Lamb. The win earns Annabel a spot to compete in next year’s Ricoh British Open providing she remains an amateur:
“To have my first professional debut in a Major is just unbelievable. I can’t wait to see what playing against the best players in the world is like,” said Wilson.
The prodigious talent put her good season down to the hard work she put in during the winter, adding: “I had a very structured off-season. I targeted the areas I was weak at and worked to get them as good as the strengths in my game.”
I am amazed, impressed and motivated by some of the feats this powerful player has achieved already and I know there are even better things to come for this talented young lady. Congratulations Annabel.
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