Duncan keeps her cool / Smyth Salver winner pleased to take pressure in her stride

 FROM THE AIG WOMEN'S OPEN WEBSITE  - Anna 

Nordqvist wins AIG Women's Open

 

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FINAL LEADERBOARD AT CARNOUSTIE

WATCH INTERVIEW VIDEOS OF LOUISE AND ANNA - (The Daily Show) CLICK HERE -- plus interview video at end of post

Louise Duncan was delighted with the way she handled the increasing pressure and attention during the course of an unforgettable week at Carnoustie.

The 21-year-old Scot shot a level-par 72 on the final day to share in a tie for 10^th and received a rapturous reception from her home crowd as she made her way over the Barry Burn to the 18^th green.

The Women’s Amateur Champion now has more silverware for her collection having lifted the Smyth Salver – awarded to the leading amateur at the AIG Women’s Open.

It was a trophy lifted by newly-crowned Champion Anna Nordqvist in 2008 and Duncan’s performance has given her confidence she can take the increased expectations in her stride.

“I thought I handled it very well,” she said. “I thought I would crumble a wee bit but I seemed to hold my nerve out there and played well on the last day, which was ultimately my goal. 

“It will maybe take a couple weeks to sink in. I feel over the moon with how I played and how I handled it. 

“I had a great time, and yeah, really happy with how I played the past four days.

“It gives me a big confidence boost. I'll take this into my next few events and into next year as well.”

Duncan signalled her intent with a four-under 68 on the opening day at Carnoustie and, having comfortably made the cut, surged into Championship contention by repeating the trick on Saturday.

Resuming two shots adrift of the overnight leaders, a birdie at the first got her final round off to the perfect start before back-to-back birdies at 10 and 11, each greeted by hearty roars from the Scottish faithful, kept the fairytale dream alive.

The University of Stirling student could not make further inroads and bogeyed two of the testing final three holes but that did not stop her savouring the experience.

The Curtis Cup is next up from Thursday and, beyond that, Duncan admits she will now have to consider her options as she weighs up turning professional.

“I'm not entirely sure what's going to happen over the next year, year and a half or whatever,” she said.

“I’ve still got a couple years left at Uni and the amount of time I've been at Uni, I think I need a degree out of it.

“I don't really know what the plan is and I’ll have to sit down and have a wee think about it.

“[This week has been] outstanding, pretty surreal and yeah, just dead exciting.

“The 18th there, just the crowd cheering, I really appreciated the support. To have the fans behind me, it's been great.”

A Couple of photos from a fan - Courtesy of Susan Wood (Drumpellier) Scottish Girls -- Team Captain

Susan and Winner Anna

Susan and leading Amateur Louise

Louise Duncan - Top Ten Finish is mind-blowing - Report by Martin Dempster (The Scotsman)

The Scotsman

23 Aug 2021

By MARTIN DEMPSTER

Louise Duncan said she felt “mind-blown” after the 21-year-old West Kilbride amateur capped a week to remember with a top-10 finish behind Anna Nordqvist in the AIG Women’s Open at Carnoustie.

Playing against the pros for the first time in her career, Duncan had the home fans roaring as she started her final round with a birdie before going on to close with a level-par 72 for a seven-under 281 total.

The sensational effort earned the Women’s Amateur champion a tie for 10th, becoming the first Scot since Monifieth’s Kathryn Imrie in 1988 to claim the Smyth Salver as leading amateur and the first to do so since it became a major.

“I feel a bit mind-blown, as if it’s not happened yet,” admitted Duncan. “It will maybe take a couple of weeks to sink in. I feel over the moon about how I played and handled it. I had a great time and I am really happy how I played over the four days.

“I don’t know what the expectation was but it has definitely been exceeded. I couldn’t have written the week any better. I’m glad it’s not a fluke and I played well all four days.”

Duncan, who started the dayjusttwoshotsoffthelead after delighting the home fans with a stirring Saturday effort in the rain, received a huge cheer as she appeared on the first tee ahead of her 2.25pm tee time.

Playing alongside Swede Madalene Sagstrom in the third last group, the Scot calmed any nerves she may have had by safely finding the fairway with an iron, then raising an even bigger roar than the earlier one as she calmly rolled in an eightfooter for an opening birdie.

With Scottish Amateur champion Angus Carrick and Scottish Women’s Amateur runner-up Tara Mactaggart among those watching on, Duncan split the fairway with her drive at the second and wasn’t far away from making it a birdie-birdie start from around 15 feet.

Most players were taking an iron to lay up short of the two fairway bunkers at the third, but not Duncan. Oozing with confidence, she flew the trouble to leave herself with just a wedge. A bit heavy-handed with that, her putting touch was exquisite as a par-4 went down on the card.

That was repeated at the next, where a testing threefooter was confidently converted, before a 10-foot birdie chance went a-begging at the fifth after she’d taken dead aim at the flag on the back tier.

Duncan’s average driving distance heading into the final round had been 283 yards, bettered only by Lexi Thompson, while the Scot was tied for 22nd for fairways hit with an average of 67 per cent.

Duncan dropped her first shot of the day after being left off the tee at the ninth, then right behind a bunker with her approach,

But, not for the first time during the week, the Ayrshirewoman showed she’s made of stern stuff.

Only the second player to achieve the feat in the final round, she made a brilliant birdie from 15 feet at the 10th before making it back-toback gains with a two-putt 3 at the next, where the tee had been moved up to make the green driveable.

Four straight pars were followed by a bogey-4 at the 16th before she then dropped a shot at the last, but the rapturous reception for her at the end said it all. Scottish golf has a new star.

Louise Duncan is only 2 Shots off the top of the leaderboard at Carnoustie on Day 3 of the British AIG Championship at Carnoustie

The Women's Amateur Champion Louise Duncan (Ayrshire LGGA and West Kilbride) excelled once more today with a round of 68 in the 3rd round of the Women's AIG Championship at Carnoustie to finish on 7 under -- 2 shots behind the leaders

 

CLICK HERE FOR THE LEADERBOARD

IF YOU CLICK ON HER NAME ON THE LEADERBOARD AND THEN ON HIGHLIGHTS YOU WILL GET A 60 SECOND VIDEO OF HER HIGHLIGHTS TODAY AND AN INTERVIEW AT THE END OF HER ROUND

Videos when you click on highlights after clicking 
on Louise Duncan's name on the leaderboard

An ecstatic Louise Duncan revelled in the backing of the home crowd after her dream week at Carnoustie continued with another outstanding performance in round three.

The reigning Women’s Amateur Champion enhanced her chances of completing a remarkable double triumph by shooting a four-under 68 on Saturday.

At seven-under for the Championship, the 21-year-old trails leaders Anna Nordqvist and Nanna Koerstz Madsen by just two shots and will play in the third-last group in the final round.

“It’s not really sunk in, to be honest. I don’t really know what I’ve just done. I just really enjoyed it out there,” said Duncan after matching the opening-day score that thrust her into the limelight.

After surging into contention with the aid of five birdies, Duncan fired a stunning approach into the final hole and was afforded a rapturous reception as she crossed the Barry Burn.

“It was special. It doesn’t get much better than that, really,” she added.

“To come over that bridge, it was all very surreal and I loved every moment of it. It felt great, to have everyone supporting me and cheering me on like that is just phenomenal, and I couldn’t thank everyone enough

“My phone’s been going absolutely mental, along with my socials as well. It’s great to have all the support and have all of Scotland behind me.”

Another standout moment for Duncan came on the 15th, where she holed a lengthy birdie putt to the delight of the spectators gathered around the green.

“I’d missed a couple of relatively short ones the past two holes for birdies, so I felt like I was kind of due a long one,” she explained.

Duncan is firmly on course to claim the Smyth Salver after opening up a commanding lead over the two other amateurs to make the cut, Lauren Walsh and Annabell Fuller.

Yet an even bigger prize could yet come Duncan’s way on Sunday as she seeks to become the first amateur to win the AIG Women’s Open since Marta Figueras-Dotti at Royal Birkdale in 1982.

The youngster knows she will be nervous as she chases victory, but the events of the last three days provide her with increased belief.

“It gives me a bit of confidence, to know that I actually can go out there and play well on a big stage in front of quite a few folk,” she added.

“I wouldn’t say (I feel) pressure, but I’d definitely say nerves. I’ve spoken about it all week.

“They’re definitely there and they still are there. I don’t think they’ll go away tomorrow either. Just being able to handle it, taking a few deep breaths before every shot has really helped.”

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LOUISE DUNCAN’S REMAINS IN CONTENTION AFTER ROUND 2

The dream continues for Scotland's Louise Duncan (West Kilbride) despite not quite matching the heights of her opening-day 68 but remains in contention entering the weekend after a 2nd round of 73 to finish  -3 after Day 2 at the AIG Women’s Open at Carnoustie. 

Leading after the 2nd round on 7 under is  American Mina Harigue and Georgia Hall the 2018 Ricoh British Champion who Louise played with in both rounds.

Georgia said she can see something of herself in the 21-year-old Scot.

"I think she's a lot like me,” she said. “Quite quiet, just lets her golf do the talking. 

“She's a very natural golfer. She just goes up and hits it which I think is a lot like me, too. She's an amazing talent and it was really nice to play with her.”

LEADERBOARD

West of Scotland's Louise Duncan has wonderful round on DAY 1 of the AIG Women's Open at Carnoustie

Amateur Louise Duncan (West Kilbride) is playing in the AIG Women's Open over Carnoustie after qualifying by winning the 2021 British Women's Amateur Championship  in June

She had a 68 - 4 under par and played the 18th beautifully from tee to green and two-putted for a closing par. A day to remember for the young Scot, who is in pole position for the Smyth Salver and only one behind the leaders.

Other Scots playing are Kylie Walker, Kelsey MacDonald, Gemma Dryburgh and Catriona Matthew

CHECK OUT THE FOLLOWING LINK--   LEADERBOARD

From the AIG Website  -- AND LISTEN TO HER POST ROUND INTERVIEW

Louise Duncan was understandably elated after overcoming her nerves to shoot a fantastic 68 on day one of the AIG Women’s Open.

The Women’s Amateur Champion had acknowledged in the build-up to her major debut that she was feeling the pressure of competing on the biggest stage.

Yet Duncan looked totally at home on the famous Carnoustie links as she went round in four under to trail leaders Nelly Korda, Madelene Sagstrom and Sei Young Kim by just a single stroke.

“I played great,” said a smiling Duncan after her magnificent performance.

“I was happy to get it off the first and find the fairway … but I played steady all the way round, putted well and hit the ball really nice.

"It’s a bit surreal really, to be playing with the best players in the world and some really big names. It’s all a bit mad.

“I don’t really know how I managed to keep (my nerves) under control. I just tried to find the clubface really.”

The highlight of Duncan’s day came at the par-5 14th, where she followed back-to-back birdies by holing a 30-foot eagle putt to spark roars of delight from spectators.

“That was a great feeling. I wouldn’t have ever pictured that, to be fair, but it was brilliant, and to hear all the crowd, it’s a different experience to anything I’ve ever had,” added the 21-year-old Scot.

Her opening-day score matched the performance of illustrious playing partner and 2018 AIG Women’s Open Champion Georgia Hall, who provided a helping hand on Duncan’s big day.

“Playing with Georgia, she really settled me in there,” added Duncan. “She was lovely and chatted to me quite a bit. It definitely helped with the nerves.

“I think it was about the eighth hole when I started to calm down a wee bit, but it was great to play with Georgia. She was really lovely and I thoroughly enjoyed it.”

The R&A has provided an update on its plans for the AIG Women's Open, and it's good news for golf fans.

Sophia Popov the 2020 AIG Womens Open Champion

R&A 'hopeful' that AIG Women's Open will allow fans

The R&A has provided an update on its plans for the AIG Women's Open, and it's good news for golf fans. The 2020 AIG Women's Open was held behind closed doors over Royal Troon and without spectators last year, but following an announcement from the R&A, it looks like we might be able to go and watch the action in person this summer. 

 The 2021 staging of the major tournament is set for Carnoustie from August 19 to 22, where champion Sophia Popov will be hoping to retain her title. 

 On March 23rd  The R&A's Chief Executive, Martin Slumbers, issued a message to fans to update them on the governing bodies plans for the AIG Women's Open, which is one of the biggest and most important events, if not THE most important, on the women's tour.

 

 While he makes no promises due to the uncertain nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, the over-arching message is that he is 'encouraged' that fans will be able to return this year. 

 AIG Women's Open update 

The open letter, addressed to golf fans, reads:

 "Dear fans, 

 Like many of you, we have been closely following the progress of the Scottish government’s roadmap and welcome the growing sense of optimism that measures can be eased in the weeks ahead. We share that positive sentiment and I would like to briefly update you on our plans for this year’s AIG Women’s Open, which will be played at Carnoustie from 19-22 August.

 

 Last year the AIG Women’s Open was the only major sporting event to be played in Scotland. This was incredibly important to the women athletes who competed and whose playing opportunities had been disproportionately affected by the pandemic. It was a fantastic championship with Sophia Popov’s fairy-tale win proving perseverance, belief and hard work are the markers of success. 

 However, one thing was missing – you, the fans. 

 Fans bring a whole other dimension to the AIG Women’s Open, from the cheers erupting across the course, to the nail-biting tension at the 72nd hole and the laughter, joy and camaraderie of celebrating the world’s best women golfers. 

You are what elevates a championship from memorable to truly special. We are greatly encouraged that we will be able to welcome fans at the AIG Women’s Open and I would like to assure you that we are working with the Scottish and UK governments, our health and safety advisers, agencies and our partners at AIG to progress our plans to ensure that everyone can enjoy the action at Carnoustie safely. 

 Nothing is certain with the COVID-19 pandemic but as the vaccine roll out continues at pace and the governments provide a clear framework for moving back toward normality, we believe that the AIG Women’s Open will provide fans with something wonderful to anticipate this summer. 

 Let’s look forward to the final putt being rolled in on the 72nd hole to a huge roar from fans at the 2021 AIG Women’s Open at Carnoustie. Until then, thank you and stay safe. 

 Martin Slumbers Chief Executive, The R&A" 

 You can find out more about how to buy tickets at aigwomensopen.com. 

SOPHIA POPOV FROM GERMANY CELEBRATES A REMARKABLE VICTORY AT ROYAL TROON

Sophia Popov (pictured above) held her nerve superbly under immense pressure to record a life-changing win in the AIG Women’s Open at Royal Troon.

Three clear at the start of play on Sunday, world number 304 Popov could have been forgiven for feeling tense as she chased her maiden main-tour victory, not least when she bogeyed the first after finding a fairway bunker off the tee.

However, the 27-year-old bounced back superbly by birdieing three of the next four holes and she duly remained at the head of the field for the entire final round, ultimately signing for a 68 to triumph by two at seven under. The only other blemish on her card came when she played cautiously and sensibly on her way to a five at the par-4 18th, knowing she could afford to double-bogey and still win.

The champion’s accomplished performance was typified by the way she kicked ahead with the winning post in sight, recording back-to-back birdies on the 15th and 16th to effectively end the hopes of her rivals.

Having come into this event without an LPGA Tour card, Germany’s first female major winner can now celebrate a remarkable victory and a prize of $675,000 that comfortably dwarfs her previous career earnings.

Catriona Matthew finished  and Michele Thomson both had 5 over par 76's to finish T59th and 74th respectively  -- To read the full report go to AEG WEBSITE

Full Leaderboard from the AIG Women's Open from Royal Troon - Click Here

DAY 4 -- LIVE SCORING AND WATCH THE GOLF FROM ROYAL TROON

Full Leaderboard from the AIG Women's Open from Royal Troon - Click Here

Watch on Sky Sports on You Tube Live  afternoon session begins at 2pm if you don't have Sky Sports  - Day 4

‘Women allowed in the clubhouse now, but it shouldn’t have taken until 2020’

Mel Reid on golfs slow pace of change by Martin Dempster 

A welcome wind of change has blown through Royal Troon. Just ask Mel Reid, who wasn’t even allowed in the clubhouse when she won twice as an amateur at the Ayrshire venue but is now among those making history in the AIG Women’s Open

After carding a third-round 68 to surge up the leaderboard in the first staging of the event at a club that had no women members until around four years ago, the English player recalled her back-to-back wins in the Helen Holm Trophy in 2006 and 2007. The final round of that tournament is played over Royal Troon and Reid, inset, one of the most vocal players in the game over inequality in golf, has enjoyed seeing how the club has dusted off its dinosaur image along with a number of others in Scotland in recent years on her return this week.

“Women weren’t allowed in the clubhouse when I played here,” she recalled “It’s a huge step forward that we are playing here this week and we’ve got Muirfield [announced as the 2022 venue earlier this week] on the rota as well now, which is another huge step forward. 

It’s what we deserve. It shouldn’t have taken until 2020 for people to realise that, but we want to play these great golf courses like the men and really test our skills and show the world how good we are.”

Reid, a six-time LET winner, has been encouraged to hear Justin Rose, Tommy Fleetwood and Tony Finau all show support for the women’s game recently but added: “We need more voices like that because it is important that people know the standard of women’s professional golf is really good. We need them to talk about us and it’s great to see that happening.”

Down Memory Lane -- Helen Holm 2010 and 2011

Sophia Popov will take a three-shot lead into the final round of the AIG Women’s Open at Royal Troon

Sophia Popov will take a three-shot lead into the final round of the AIG Women’s Open at Royal Troon, after putting together a faultless third round highlighted by a moment of breathtaking brilliance.

World number 304 Popov, whose only previous appearance in this championship came as an amateur back in 2011, was the only player in the field not to drop a shot on Saturday as she carded a four-under 67 – the joint-lowest round of the week - to reach four under.

Past Champion Catriona Matthew saw her hopes of another AIG Women’s Open title fade as she  carded a 74 to sit on eight over.

Scot Michele Thomson carded an 80 today which included 5 bogeys and 2 double bogeys to finish on +17

To read the full report go to the AIG WEBSITE

CATRIONA MATTHEW AND MICHELE THOMSON MAKE THE HALF WAY CUT AT ROYAL TROON

On another blustery day on the Ayrshire links, accompanied by heavy rain showers, the 32-year-old Swede Dani Holmqvist defied the weather conditions with a one under-par 70 that included four birdies and three bogeys to claim a second round lead in the AIG Women's Open at Royal Troon

Holmqvist is the only player under par at the halfway stage of the first women’s major championship of the year, having only qualified via last week’s Aberdeen Standard Investments Ladies Scottish Open.

The Swede, who has fought back to fitness after a golf cart crash in 2018, sits at one under par, a stroke clear of American Austin Ernst and Sophia Popov from Germany.

A five-strong group of players share fourth place on one over. That quintet is comprised of Minjee Lee, Jasmine Suwannapura, Lydia Ko, Emily Kristine Pedersen and Lindsey Weaver, who is impressing without the use of a caddie.

The cut fell at +9 with Scot Catriona Matthew finishing on +5 and Michele Thomson on +8

SCOTS:

+5 C Matthew

+8 M Thomson

Missed Cut

+11C Booth

+12 K Henry

+14 G Dryburgh

Catriona Matthew rolls back the years in Round 1 of the AIG Women's Open

 

Scotland’s Catriona Matthew rolled back the years on the links, but it is American Amy Olson who leads after the opening round of the AIG Women’s Open.

At a blustery Royal Troon, with gusts that rose to 40mph on occasions, Olson emerged late in the day to reach four under par with an excellent 67 at the first women’s major of the year.

Olson carded five birdies and just one dropped shot in a fine display of links golf. The 28-year-old, who has posted two top-10 finishes in majors, holds a three-stroke lead over fellow American Marina Alex and Germany’s Sophia Popov. 

Fifty-year-old Catriona Matthew rolled back the years on Thursday with a superb round of 71 at Royal Troon in the AIG Women’s Open.

Europe's Solheim Cup captain, who won this championship in 2009 at Royal Lytham & St Annes, carded four birdies and four bogeys in a level-par round that left her comfortably inside the top 10 on a day when gusting winds made low scoring difficult.

“I played well, I drove the ball well,” Matthew said. “I don't think I missed a fairway today, which gives you just the opportunity to try and hit the greens.

“Going out was obviously super long, going back out into the wind, and then coming back downwind sometimes isn't that easy, either, it was such a strong wind.”

Matthew, who would become the oldest major champion of all time if she were to win this week, was in control with her long game on Thursday, and credits shot commitment for her accuracy off the tee.

Leaderboard 

 -4 A Olsen (USA)

-1 S Popov (Germany), M Alex (USA)

SCOTS:

Even C Matthew

+2 M Thomson

+3 G Dryburgh

+7 K Henry

+9 C Booth

Full Leaderboard - Click Here

WATCH THE AIG WOMEN’S OPEN AT ROYAL TROON ON YOU TUBE

Live AIG Women’s Open Championship  will be found on You Tube  --  it starts at 10:30am this morning - you will then find the schedules from there on. Also if you want to keep up to date download the excellent AIG Women’s Open app from the Apple or Google Play App stores 

Follow your Scottish Players like Catriona Matthew Kylie Henry, Michele Thomson, Gemma Dryburgh, Carly Booth and the full field including last weeks Scottish Ladies Open Champion Stacey Lewis 

CLICK HERE TO FOLLOW ON YOU TUBE

LIVE SCORING 

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