The AIG Irish Women’s Close gets underway on Saturday morning at Grange Golf Club with a 36-hole qualifier.
One player hoping to do well in the tournament is Irish International, Aine Donegan. The Lahinch golfer, who recently completed her first year at Indiana University, is focusing on staying patient and believing in herself ahead of the match play qualifier.
“The competitions are different in the States compared to home as it is more of a team aspect compared to this week’s tournament which is more individualised,” said Donegan.
“I’m hoping to play well in the Strokeplay and get a high seeding to give me confidence heading into the match play.”
The return to Irish soil has required more focused practice for Donegan who is just home from playing the NCAA Regional Championship in Michigan. Despite being fresh off American courses and being a links native, Aine, who is also a member at Dromoland Castle, has spent time practicing there to familiarise herself with parkland golf ahead of the challenge at Grange.
“It’s a lot windier over here compared to Indiana. I love playing links when I’m home, but I’ve been playing in Dromoland to keep up parkland practice ahead of playing in Grange,” she added.
Many competitors in the field have returned from college in the States and Donegan said she “looks forward to meeting all of her friends that she hasn’t seen in the last year”.
72 Competitors will tee it up in the Strokeplay qualifier on Saturday morning with the top 32 qualifiers advancing to match play. The champion will be crowned on Tuesday evening.
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