Of the sixteen Irish players competing in the KPMG Women’s Irish Open this week, Tramore’s Anna Dawson is the sole debutant after she secured an eleventh hour invite to compete at Carton House.
Dawson is one of nine Irish amateurs in the field, joining compatriots Beth Coulter, Aine Donegan, Anna Abom, Emma Fleming, Olivia Costello, Marina Joyce-Moreno, Roisin Scanlon and Rebekah Gardner at the O’Meara course.
The 23-year-old earned her spot in the field after finishing 4th at the Flogas Irish Women’s Amateur Championship a fortnight ago and it opened more than one door for her with a spot on the Irish Women’s team for the European Team Championships next week in France.
“I’m super excited about my debut,” beamed Dawson. “I got in last minute so it was a quick turnaround but I’m really excited to be playing this week. It’s amazing, I was not expecting myself to be here this week but it’s amazing to see everyone around here as well.
“Busy few weeks coming up but I’m ready for it, really looking forward to it. Hopefully the good golf can continue.”
Dawson hasn’t been starstruck at all although she hasn’t gone out of her way to secure any lucrative practice rounds with some of the bigger stars competing. Instead she enjoyed a leisurely stroll with fellow amateurs Gardner and Abom.
A record of 16 Irish players are in the field this week but in that sixteen is a special half dozen of Dawson, Coulter, Donegan, Sara Byrne, Anna Foster and Lauren Walsh who were playing a Girls International for Ireland nine years ago. Now they have come full circle.
“It’s grown so much, Sara Byrne, Lauren Walsh and Anna Foster were under 16 and then myself and Beth Coulter and Aine Donegan were only fourteen so it’s so nice that we get to meet one another again this week and yesterday we all had the Irish photo and it’s just amazing to be out here with everyone and it’s just a throwback to our younger days,” Dawson laughed.
The University of Arkansas graduate will become even more acquainted with Carton House later this year when she begins her masters studies at Maynooth University and as part of the Paddy Harrington Golf Scholarship she will have access to the facilities here.
Dawson comes from strong golfing stock with her brother Robin also a professional and a former Paddy Harrington Golf scholar.
“Rob is actually in Australia, but my mam and Charlie are here this week so that’s great, he’s only dying to be here!” added Dawson.
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