Canice Screene believes that the Women’s Irish Challenge can be a breeding ground for aspiring professionals as they test their game against the LET Access professionals at Malahide Golf Club.
The inaugural Women’s Irish Challenge gets underway today with Screene billed as one of the favourites alongside Olivia Mehaffey as fourteen Irishwomen tee it up on Europe’s second tier.
Screene carded a sensational round of 66 at the KPMG Women’s Irish Open and she is hoping she can hit top gear again in front of her family and friends.
“I’m really looking forward to it it’s always my favourite events when they are in Ireland. My family will come out and watch so it feels more than just another tournament,” said the former Irish Close winner.
“It would be nice to win! My family are coming out to watch and my expectations whenever they are here is to give them something nice to watch. They are very loud and give lots of cheers which motivates me more.
“I am excited and if I play the way that I have been playing there’s definitely an opportunity but I want to have as much fun as I can and entertain them as much as I can.”
Screene arrives in good form after a morale boosting made cut in Sweden on the Ladies European Tour where despite it being August, conditions were bitterly cold and windy.
Malahide was a tough test during practice with strong gusts making some par fours play devilishly long but the 24-year-old feels she is prepared.
“I’m feeling good. Last week was good preparation in Sweden, it was really windy there and I wasn’t expecting it to be that windy here so that has prepared me nicely.
“Malahide is my ideal course to play tournaments on. Great golf course in great condition and it’s fair. The greens are tough but they are not ridiculous. There are a lot of possible pin positions which you wouldn’t see at normal LET Access events so I think they can be tricky with the pins this week. Everyone will enjoy playing this week.”
Screene is one of five Irish players on the Ladies European Tour this year but she has also played four LET Access events as she has status on both tours. She can see the growth of women’s golf in Ireland before her very eyes and believes this week will be an eye opener for some of the aspiring amateurs who are looking to make the leap to the pro ranks.
“It’s huge and so exciting for Golf Ireland just to see how many players can turn up to a LET Access event. Ireland comes out and supports their golf so there should be plenty of support out there.
“A lot of girls who won on the LET Access have gone on to do well on the LET so it is a great stepping stone to see how your game shows up. For the amateurs here this week it’s a great chance to see how their game compares to the pro ranks and a lot of them will fare really well.”
As for her end of season goals, Screene has plenty of options. One good finish could see her secure status on the Ladies European Tour again but she wouldn’t be opposed to facing five rounds of Q-School again.
“I have a couple of events left on the LET. It’s such a game of millimetres. If I have one good finish I can climb into the 80s on the Order of Merit which would give me status for next year. Other than that I want to finish top-60 on the LET Access to have a full card next year. That’s difficult because I have only played four events, it would be nice to have the option.
“If I have to go back to Q-School I have to go back to Q-School I feel like I am in such a better place than I was last year when I did pretty well so I need to stay positive.”
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