After an inauspicious start on day one, the Irish challenge managed to revive itself on day two of the 115th Ladies British Open Amateur Championship at Hillside.
Jessica Ross took a defibrillator to her game overnight, rising 69 places to qualify in 20th place after 36-holes of strokeplay. Having opened with a six-over 78, the Clandeboye amateur stormed back with a one-under-par 71 today to coast into the knockout rounds.
For those of you who felt that Olivia Mehaffey was too good to go out so soon, you were right, as the Arizona State star bounced back with a 72 today to make the grade plus-six.
Having tasted US Open playing conditions earlier this year, her third Major outing amongst the pros, a player of Mehaffey’s stature, ranked 18 in the world, will be licking her lips at the prospect of the Matchplay rounds to come.
Anabel Wilson was the third Irish woman to progress having led the way from a home perspective after her 74 in round one. The teenager carded a plus four round of 76 this afternoon to safely make it through along with the top-64 who will contest the latter stages.
Unfortunately there was no way back for Mairead Martin (Kanturk), Sinead Sexton (Lahinch) and Lisburn’s Paula Grant who all fell short of the plus ten cut-mark.
In round one of Matchplay tomorrow, Mehaffey tees it up against England’s Jessica Hall at 8.42. Not long after, Ross faces off against England’s Caitlin Whitehead at 8.58 while teenager Wilson takes on Yuka Saso of the Philippines at 9.46. Best of luck girls!
Full matchplay draw HERE
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