CURTIS CUP DAY 2 -- USA WIN AND LEVEL THE SCORES

USA 4.5 GB&I 1.5

 

CLICK HERE FOR THE HIGHLIGHTS FROM DAY 2

CURTIS CUP DAY 1 - GB&I WIN 4.5 - 1.5

RESULTS DAY 1
GB&I 4.5 USA 1.5

Scotland’s two new amateur stars Louise Duncan and Hannah Darling were foursomes partners in the opening session of the Curtis Cup for Great Britain and Ireland at Conway

LIVE STREAMING  on You Tube daily 

Hannah Darling sank a memorable match-winning putt as Great Britain and Ireland got off to a dream start on the opening day of the 2021 Curtis Cup at Conwy.

The Scot holed her birdie attempt at the 18th to earn victory in the afternoon fourballs and help Elaine Radcliffe’s team to a threepoint lead at 4½ to 1½ over the USA – their biggest ever advantage after day one.

Darling had been paired alongside fellow Scot Louise Duncan in the morning foursomes where they shared the point with US duo Rose Zhang and Rachel Heck.

She then teamed up with England’s Annabell Fuller for the afternoon fourballs and after starting the 18th all square against Heck and Emilia Migliaccio, Darling made sure of the win with an 18-foot putt for birdie

Meet the GBI team 

LIVE SCORING

NO SCOTTISH SENIOR TEAM AT THE EUROPEAN SENIOR WOMEN'S TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS THIS YEAR

The European Senior Women’s Team Championship 2021 are being held in Bulgaria from 31 August – 4 September. Current restriction on travel to Bulgaria don’t allow UK nationals to enter and sadly we are unable to send our Senior Women’s team to the event.

The Scottish Senior Men’s team however are heading to Slovakia and includes Scottish Senior Order of Merit leader Paul Moultrie from Royal Troon and team Captain Ronnie Clark (Erskine)  winner of the 2018 Scottish Senior Men’s Open Championship, the same year he featured in the Concession Cup in Florida.

Ronnie Clark said: “After nearly 2 years of what has been difficult times for everyone, it’s great to be back competing in this event and we’re grateful to Scottish Golf for their support. We have a strong, experienced team whom I believe are more than capable of having an extremely successful week.”

Clare Queen, Head of Performance at Scottish Golf said: “Congratulations to the players on their selection, it’s a strong team with plenty of experience and we wish them well in Slovakia.”

A full team list for Scotland’s Senior Men’s Team can be found below:

Ronnie Clark, Erskine

Stewart Henderson, Hamilton

Maurice Lindsay, Grange 

Paul Moultrie, Royal Troon

Derek Paton, Dunnikier Park

Nick Robson, Royal Aberdeen

CURTIS CUP BEGINS THIS WEEK AT CONWAY GOLF CLUB WALES

After a year’s delay because of the coronavirus pandemic, the Curtis Cup will be contested this week at Conwy Golf Club in Wales.

This is the 41st edition of the biennial competition, which pits top female amateurs from the United States against their counterparts from Great Britain and Ireland. The Americans hold a 29-8-3 advantage and are coming off a dominating performance in 2018.

Three years ago at Quaker Ridge Golf Club in Scarsdale, New York, the U.S. swept all eight singles matches en route to a 17-3 triumph.

GB&I, however, has won each of the last two competition on home soil, doing so in 2016 in Ireland and 2012 in Scotland.

This year’s event will begin tomorrow on Thursday, Aug. 26th The two teams will compete in foursomes and fourballs (three matches each session) each of the first two days and then eight singles matches on the last day  

GB&I:

• Hannah Darling (Scotland; No. 25 on World Amateur Golf Ranking)
• Louise Duncan (Scotland; No. 133, WAGR)
• Annabell Fuller (England; No. 38, WAGR)
• Charlotte Heath (England; No. 48, WAGR)
• Caley McGinty (England; No. 51, WAGR)
• Emily Toy (England; No. 85, WAGR)
• Lauren Walsh (Ireland; No. 21, WAGR)
• Annabel Wilson (Ireland; No. 64, WAGR)

---

U.S.:

• Rose Zhang (No. 1, WAGR)
• Rachel Heck (No. 2, WAGR)
• Allisen Corpuz (No. 11, WAGR)
• Jensen Castle (No. 150, WAGR)
• Gina Kim (No. 18, WAGR)
• Rachel Kuehn (No. 24, WAGR)
• Brooke Matthews (No. 36, WAGR)
• Emilia Migliaccio (No. 17, WAGR)

THE 2021 SCOTTISH COUNTY FINALS LINE UP IN FORRES

 Ayrshire -- 2019 County Team Champions 

The County Finals were last played in 2019 with none in 2020  due to Covid -- That year Ayrshire Ladies' County Golf Association became champions with Carnoustie's star -  amateur Louise Duncan in the team  -- Click here to read the full report then 

Three County teams will fight it out to be the 2021 Scottish County Champions at the finals in Forres from Friday 27th August - Sunday 29th August.

  

West Division Winners D&A
Photo courtesy of Lorraine Campbell

They are Dunbartonshire & Argyll, who are representing the West Division, Midlothian the East and Perth & Kinross the North. 

There is no team from the South Division this year as they were unable to get their County Jamboree played. 

Instead, Scottish Golf has invited Northern Counties to supply a team to keep the round robin format of the finals intact. 

Order of Play (Friday to Sunday) 

Day 1: D&A v Perth & Kinross - and - Midlothian v North 

Day 2: Midlothian v D&A - and - North v Perth & Kinross 

Day 3: Midlothian v Perth & Kinross - and - D&A v North 

Tee Times (all three days) 

Morning Foursomes: 09:00 to 09:37  

Afternoon Singles: 13:30 to 14:52

D&A team 

Lorraine Campbell (Cardross)

Lorna McClymont (Milngavie)

Laura McGeachy (Haggs Castle)

Lori MacDonald (Cardross) 

Fiona Rattray (Douglas Park)

Vicky Hendren (Cardross)

Aileen Baker (Crail)

Maggie Kinvig. (The Cameron Club)

Perth & Kinross Team 

Katy Alexander (Blairgowrie) 

Megan Ashley (Blairgowrie) 

Laura Campbell (Whitemuir)

Jillian Milne (Blairgowrie) 

Isla Moncrieff (Aberfeldy) 

Jen Saxton (Dunfermline) 

Laura Walker (Muckhart) 

Eilidh Watson (St Regulus

Midlothian Team

Freya Constable, (Prestonfield) 

Louise Fraser, (Kingsknowe) 

Anne Hanson, (Turnhouse) 

Hilary Laughland, (Mortonhall) 

Rachael Livingstone, (Baberton)

Emma Morrison, (Gullane) 

Kate Rorke, (Kingsknowe )

Caroline Steedman, (Murrayfield)

Northern Counties Team (no details)

ERSKINE'S MARGOT STEWART HAS DIED

 

Margot in 2020
at lunch at Erskine GC

For those who knew Margot Stewart  (Erskine) - she died on the 15th August at the age of 99 . 

Margot was born in her parents house where she lived in all her days and died at home (not many people could have managed that) -- She was a real feisty lady in fact a bit of a legend.

She was also  Past Secretary of Renfrewshire Ladies' County Golf Association (1989 - 1991) and treasurer for the West Vets for 5 years retiring in 1999

Many hockey players may remember Margot - She was a Scottish Internationalist (Centre Forward) and then a Scottish International and West District Selector in the 60's and 70's  

As she got older and took up golf she started to get a lot of bother with her knees (as many hockey players do !)  and when your webmaster met her at Erskine she would often ask me how my knees were !!

She used to meet the late Dorothea Hastings, Jean Brown and others every Friday for lunch regularly 

She was a real character who loved her regular wee dram at the Golf Club and was able to drive down to the club until she was about 95 - Her car did get a few dents and scrapes !!

She finally got a taxi down to Erskine after that and it took many of of her friends at the club about 15 minutes to get her out the lounge as she would talk non stop to everyone on the way.

You just had to admire her determination and spirit !! 

The Funeral is on Monday 30th and arrangements are in today’s Glasgow Herald - CLICK ON THE FOLLOWING LINK  —- >>  GLASGOW HERALD

Susan O'Neill is the first Ladies Winner of the Inaugural Robertson Family Foursomes Rosebowl at the Glasgow Golf Club

 

Ewan and Susan and Jemma Robertson

The Glasgow Golf Club who recently opened its doors to female members held the inaugural Robertson Rosebowl Family Foursomes at Killermont GC on Sunday. 

Susan O'Neill (Milngavie) who is a new member was thrilled to win this new trophy donated by Colin Robertson in memory of his son Guy. 

Susan was partnered by her son Ewan and Jemma Robertson (daughter of Guy) is pictured with them with the new trophy.

For the full report go to ---->  the Glasgow Golf Club Website 

WHITECRAIGS PAIR BRENDA CONWAY AND FIONA ARMOUR WIN THE RLCGA COUNTY GREENSOMES

Brenda Conway and Fiona Armour 

In calm conditions 24 couples played in  the Renfrewshire's Ladies County Greensomes yesterday at Cochrane Castle GC. 

The winners of the competition, with an excellent score of 67, were Fiona Armour and Brenda Conway (both Whitecraigs). 

Leaderboard

1st: Fiona Armour (Whitecraigs) 67 Brenda Conway (Whitecraigs) 

2nd: Claire McGinty-Scott (Kilmarnock Barassie) 70 June Irons (Caldwell) 

3rd: Pat Robertson (Caldwell) 70 Sheila Shaw (Caldwell) 

 Full results can be found on the following this  LINK. 

 

Thanks go to Cochrane Castle GC for hosting the event and making their clubhouse and facilities available to us. 

Thanks go to Marianne McKelvie Deputy Results Secretary for the report and photograph

Orla Rooney wins the RLCGA Junior Championship and Ellen Bentley the Campbell Clock

Orla Rooney and Ellen Bentley

Fifteen girls participated for the Renfrewshire County Junior Campbell Clock Stableford competition over 18 holes at Whitecraigs Golf Club yesterday, 22nd August.

This was won by Ellen Bentley [Pollok] with 40 points, 2nd place was Jayla Kepler [Greenock] with 39 points and 3rd place was Lucie Barclay [Kilmacolm] with 38 points. (click on Ellen’s name and points to see her card)

Also played for today was the Junior County Championship trophy won by Orla Rooney [Cowglen]. with a fabulous gross score - click here of 75  

We also had some girls participating in the 8 hole and PAR 3 with Brooke McMeekin [Whitecraigs] winning the 8 hole and Jazyln Sandhu [Whitecraigs] the PAR 3.

This year we also had some off the intermediate ladies participating (over 18) , Alison MacNab [Lochwinnoch] won this category with a great 36 points.

There were some nearest the pin and putting competitions and it was great to see so many players and family members wait for the prize giving.

Thanks to our volunteers and for Whitecraigs Golf Club for the courtesy off the course

The RLCGA Juniors

PHOTOGRAPHS CLICK HERE -- COURTESY OF CLAIR BARCLAY AND JUNE LOCKHART

Thanks go to Clair Barclay (RLCGA Junior Convenor) for the report 

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

 

/

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.

Nancy MacGadie finishes on a high after seven decades of Greenlees Matches

Nancy MacGadie

Ranfurly Castle played their final Greenlees Match last week in Division 2 and have ended up with a fantastic 47 points.

They now look pretty certain of winning the division and being promoted back to Division One next season. CLICK HERE FOR GREENLEES TOTALS (subject to updates) 

It was a the day that Nancy MacGadie (pictured above ) decided to have her final game in the team after playing for them for SEVEN DECADES !!  -- She  had played in Division 1 since 1978 until 2019 until they were demoted to Division 2 .

Nancy's first match was in 1964 was against Prestwick St Nicholas and her handicap at the time was 13 

Her present Handicap is 15 and she managed to halve her final Greenlees match -- a  fantastic finish to a long and wonderful time supporting her club team. -- True dedication and loyalty. 

The current Ranfurly Castle team had a presentation for her after the match. Well done Nancy -- Enjoy your retirement -- You really deserve it 

Its seems amazing how time flies when Nancy was recognised by the club for play in SIX DECADES - CLICK HERE

Thanks go to Anne Judge for the photo and news 

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.”

-

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

JENNIFER RANKINE IS THE 2021 RENFREWSHIRE COUNTY CHAMPION

Jennifer Rankine 2021 - RLCGA Champion

Jan Macnab (Peggy Clark Trophy) Jennifer (RLCGA Champion) 
and Morag Cunningham (Irvine Trophy Winner) 

Jennifer Rankine (Haggs Castle) and Julie Wilson (Williamwood) qualified for this year’s Championship Final, having beaten Alyson McGinnigle (Williamwood) and Denise Cowan (Ranfurly Castle) respectively in the semi-finals.

Julie started with a birdie at the first to go 1 up but Jennifer immediately hit back with an eagle at the second to square the match.  The remainder of the first nine was very close with some near perfect golf and the match was all square at the turn (both players were -3 and -2 respectively).

Jennifer won holes 10 and 11 to go 2 up and with the next six holes being halved with scratch golf, Jennifer went on to win 2 and 1.

Well done to both finalists for producing an excellent game and a big “thank you” to those who came out to spectate and support this year’s final.

 CLICK HERE FOR ALL THE MATCHPLAY RESULTS 

Report by - Sandra Littlejohn (RLCGA Captain) 

Irvine Trophy(handicap Trophy)

“In calm conditions, local ladies Ranfurly Castle's Morag Cunningham and Vicky Rennie (off 32 and 33 respectively) played the match in a very sporting manner, and it most certainly was a match of two halves.

Vicky was 3 up at the turn, but Morag fought back to win the next three holes in a row.  Holes were fairly even after that until Morag won the 17th, to go 1 up, and held on to halve the 18th and win the match.

NB:  At the 15th, Morag’s tee shot hit the cliff and returned to the back of the tee!!!  

Report by - June Lockhart (Past Captain RLCGA)

Irvine Trophy Matchplay - Final - CLICK HERE FOR ALL THE MATCHPLAY RESULTS

(Handicap)

Morag Cunningham (Ranfurly Castle) beat Vicky Rennie (Ranfurly Castle) 1 Hole 

PHOTOGRAPHS - Courtesy of June Lockhart, Sandra Littlejohn and Marianne McKelvie

Kilmacolm Open Day Success - £510 raised for the Beatson Cancer Charity

There were 112 entries in Kilmacolm's Open Day) yesterday (19th August) and in addition to some great golf, their guests raised over £510 for Beatson Cancer Charity.

The overall winners were :

Chantal Robertson (Old Ranfurly) & Alison Templeton (Ranfurly Castle) with 43 points

The Scoreboard - Click to enlarge

 

RESULTS: )GREENSOMES STABLEFORD)

1^st Place, £75 SGU Voucher each

43 points, Chantal Robertson (Old Ranfurly) & Alison Templeton (Ranfurly Castle),

2^nd Place, £60 SGU Voucher Each

41 points, Anne Gordon (Ranfurly Castle) & Pauline MacEwen (Ranfurly Castle)

3^rd Place, £50 SGU Voucher Each

40 points (countback), Emma Morton & Corinne Morton (Stratford on Avon)

4^th Place, £40 SGU Voucher Each

40 points (countback), Una Fairley & Sheena Stewart (Irvine)

Nearest the Pin, £25 SGU Voucher

2^nd, Silver (HCI <20.5) Shui Lin Yip (Cawder)

17^th, Bronze (HCI>20.4), Angela Paterson (Old Course Ranfurly)

Longest Drive, £25 SGU Voucher

14th, Silver, Catherine Malcolm (Prestwick St Cuthbert)

7^th, Bronze, Competition declared Void, prize donated to Beatson Cancer Charity.

Thanks go to Patricia Briggs  -- Captain, Ladies Section , Kilmacolm Golf Club for the results and photographs

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.”