Annabel Wilson is only 25 with her professional career still in its infancy competing in her third KPMG Women’s Irish Open, but there are few golf fans who haven’t heard about her and her talents after a promising amateur career.
The Castlerock golfer was a world bronze medalist aged just fifteen and went on to represent GB&I in the Curtis Cup in 2021 while she was also third at the US Women’s Amateur a year later. Her transition from the amateur to pro ranks had been hampered by an ACL injury which required surgery for the UCLA star.
Upon turning professional she won her LET card at Q-School but lost it last year and has been living off conditional status this term. The season hasn’t gone her way so far with six missed cuts and a withdrawal in her last seven starts on both tiers in Europe. But in her corner is legendary Irish coach Shane O’Grady who has several women in his stable and former touring professional Brendan McGovern.
“That’s been very exciting, just recently started working with Shane. He is extremely knowledgeable and it has been nice to hear a different perspective on things and he knows a lot about the game. It’s been exciting learning from him.”
Wilson feels both, particularly McGovern, have added some grit and edge to her game. The Lurgan native has the talent but it needs harnessing after a couple of years where big numbers would appear out of nothing and some superb ball striking wouldn’t yield birdies.
On Thursday, Wilson was relieved to card a steady round of 71 which included three birdies and two bogeys. It was a round based on good decision making, concentration and good attitude, which are all the hallmarks of McGovern.
“It was a good start. Brendan was great, a lot of good decisions were made especially on the way in. It’s very tough out there so it’s all about making good decisions. I played well enough and hit a lot of good shots so I’m happy,” Wilson said post round as she climbed into the top-30 at the K Club.
“Steady, it was steady for me. Sometimes I like to explore the golf course but I kept it between the hedges today which was nice. I hit a lot of good shots and good approach shots and got up and down when I needed to.
“On the way in it was about making good decisions because it got tough coming in with the weather but I did a really good job.”
In saturating conditions on the South Course it was a day for knuckling down. Sometimes all you need is a good caddie and the early signs for Wilson and McGovern are promising after only linking up last month at Malahide’s Irish Challenge.
“I’d love to play with him because I heard he can get up and down from a bucket! Sometimes I can be the other end I can be one or two over and hit it unbelievable and you are thinking what happened there. It’s nice for him to chip in and keep pushing me and telling me to get up and down whenever I do miss a green so that has been encouraging, because you need a bit of grit you need to get a score out of it when you have your C game. Sometimes I want my A game but it’s not about that you need to play with whatever you have on the day.”
This is Wilson’s third crack at the Women’s Irish Open and making a first cut would be a milestone for her and who knows what a sense of freedom at the weekend could bring.
“It’s always a special event, this is my third time having a go at it. The other two were just as amazing this is a different venue and so far it has been fantastic. It just seems to build and build every year, so it is exciting and to have the support at a home open makes it a special week.”
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