Double delight as Lurgan are crowned Ulster champions
This was on the back of the Senior Foursomes team’s victory on Saturday seeing both teams crowned Ulster Champions and now going on to compete for the All-Ireland titles in Trim.
Both matches were very tight affairs. On Saturday Annabel Wilson and Sheena McStay treated their opponents to exhibition golf to win their match 7/5.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdThe other two matches were much tighter affairs with Niamh Ward and Fiona Cummins losing by one hole leaving Niamh McSherry and Orla O’Dowd to be the deciding match. Niamh and Orla had been one or two down for most of the day but they kick started their comeback when they halved the 14th in birdie twos, followed by a miraculous half at 15 after finding the water.
Niamh McSherry showed all her class and experience, ably assisted by Orla, to go on and win 16 and 17 to go from 1 down to 1 up and a regulation par at the last was good enough to see them over the line and the team to lift the title.
On Sunday Cara Murphy and Sian Mulholland led the way by winning their matches 5/4. Fiona McGrady and Christine Hagan both faced ladies very much on their game and lost their matches leaving Lynne Hanna out on the course carrying all the team’s hopes.
Lynne didn’t shirk from the task and again it was at the 14th that the tide turned. Lynne hit a beautiful shot in to five feet and when her opponent didn’t up and down from the bunker Lynne went one up.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdWith an ever growing crowd following this deciding match both players found the fairway with their drives but Malone found a watery grave with their second and Lynne took the advantage to go two up with three to play.
The 16th was a nervy affair and Lynne just missed a tricky downhill putt to go back to only one up. The tension was definitely rising but Lynne, coached on by her caddy Bronagh, and to the delight of the Lurgan supporters, showed her determination and won the 17th and secured the Ulster title for Lurgan.
Lady Captain Fiona thanks all the players, team captains, caddies and travelling support. Everyone involved contributed to what was a major achievement and to a weekend that will long be remembered.