Dawson looks to retain her AIG Women's Close crown
Tramore's Anna Dawson in action against Shannon Burke (Ballinrobe) in the AIG Irish Women's & Girl's Amateur Close quarter-final at Enniscrone Golf Club. Picture: Tom Maher/Inpho
Reigning champion Anna Dawson believes she has an amazing opportunity ahead of her as she aims to go back-to-back in the AIG Irish Women’s Amateur Close Championship.
The 23-year-old advanced to the semi-finals at Enniscrone thanks to a hard fought 2&1 win over Shannon Burke (Ballinrobe) this afternoon.
The Tramore golfer began Thursday with a convincing 5&4 win over Eva Branks (Malone) and having gone 3up after six holes of her quarter-final tie, Dawson had to battle her to a win on the 17th green.
“I was happy with today, definitely a tough match against Shannon but I was delighted to get it over the line,” said Dawson.
“I knew Shannon was a steady golfer so I was just trying to keep steady alongside her, and hopefully it was me making the putts.
“It has been a great test, it’s windy, there’s four seasons in one day and you just have to stay patient out here.
“It was a big win last year, got a great buzz out of it so it would be great to do it again. It would feel amazing.”
In Friday’s semi-final she will face the in-form Katie Poots. The Knock golfer had an albatross earlier in the week, and finished her quarter-final with an eagle.
That helped her to see off Emma O’Driscoll (Ballybunion) 4&2 a week before she represents Ireland at Home Internationals in Woodbrook.
“A really good match with Emma, lots of birdies and an eagle to finish,” said Poots.
“I will just do the same thing (tomorrow), hit fairways and greens and hopefully putts will drop.
“I’ve just been patient with the conditions and taken chances when I can.”
The other semi-final tie will see Home Internationals Girls’ teammates Ella Cantwell (Esker Hills) and Hannah Lee McNamara (Royal Portrush) do battle.
The last two quarter-finals on Thursday featured players from that Irish team, who will travel to Monifieth Golf Links in Scotland next week.
Cantwell defeated Zoe McLean-Tattan (Romford) by the narrowest of margins, while Lee McNamara was 3 down approaching the turn in her match, only to carve out a 2&1 comeback win over Kayleigh Mulholland (Moyola Park).
Local golfer Sophie Dodd, will carry the Enniscrone hopes into the semi-finals of the O-18 Plate, when she faces the experienced Laura Webb (Royal Portrush). Ella Grennan (Athlone) and Valerie Clancy (Killarney) will face off in the other semi-final.
The U-18 Girls’ semi-finals will feature Claudia O’Donoghue (Douglas) and Sophie Park (Grange), with Noreen O’Neill (Connemara) and Beth Cuthbert (Lurgan) in the second semi-final.
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