The Irish Boys’ and Girls’ Amateur Close Championships begin on Tuesday at Kilkeel GC.
For the first time ever, both competitions will take place simultaneously, with fans at the Co. Down venue in a position to see some of the best junior golfers in the country.
One of the headline names on show will be Edmondstown’s Anna Abom after her excellent run to the Semi-Finals of the AIG Irish Women’s Amateur Close earlier this month.
Abom was due to compete with her older brother Thomas in the event, but a fine performance in Regional Qualifying for The Open championship sees Thomas take up his place this week at St Annes Old Links looking to qualify for St Andrews.
She’s looking forward to competing in Kilkeel after the lengthy run close to home in Castle where she was defeated by eventual champion Beth Coulter.
“I’ve recovered and rested up a bit from that event, it was a really fun week. It was great to have the support from Edmondstown out because it was so close,” she said.
“It was a long week but it definitely helped being at home with the home comforts and being able to unwind and sleep in my own bed.
“I’ve never played the course at Kilkeel so I’m not sure what to expect but I played in the Irish Girls last year in Tramore which was a great event.
“The goal would be to win but of course the first job is to qualify and then take one match at a time from there.”
Both Boys’ and Girls’ Championships will use the same format, with the top-16 advancing to the Championship after 36 holes of stroke play on the opening two days. Four rounds of Matchplay will be used, with both champions being decided in an 18-hole Final on Friday evening.
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