With top marks in their Leaving Certs, twin Cavan golf sensations off to US
The 17-year-old girls, from Ballyconnell, Co Cavan, were sought after by all of the top US colleges as a result of hugely impressive results in the amateur game from their early teens.
The girls, who attended Loreto College in Cavan, received letters of intent from Ivy League college Duke University earlier this year and, following their Leaving Certificate results on Wednesday, flew out to the US on golf scholarships yesterday.
Lisa gained 600 points and Leona edged her with 615, showing that their talents are not just on the fairways.
However, their coach in the North Carolina college admits he will have a hard time telling them apart.
“Because they are identical twins, both playing golf at a high level, it has been difficult for me to distinguish between the two,” said women’s golf coach at Duke, Dan Brooks.
“Lisa and Leona have been stars on the European scene for several years,” said Brooks.
Leona has won 20 amateur titles and has already played in the 2010 and 2012 Curtis Cup as a member of the Britain & Ireland squad.
Lisa was a two-time member of the European Junior Solheim Cup team in 2009 and 2011, played on the Britain & Ireland Curtis Cup squad in 2010, and was the 2011 European Ladies Amateur and Spanish Ladies Amateur champion.
Mr Brooks said: “Lisa and Leona have been stars on the European scene for several years. Both have played in Curtis Cups already. They are hard workers, both in the classroom and in golf.
“It’s clear to me that they want the whole package — a degree from Duke, a chance to develop their games individually, and a great team experience. I can’t wait for them to join us.”
The girls’ parents, Breda and Declan, said they were delighted their talented daughters had performed so impressively in their exams.
“Declan and I are absolutely thrilled because they both worked so hard, we’re delighted that the work has paid off,” Breda told the Anglo Celt newspaper.
