MINNA BIDS FOR THREE IRISIH SENIOR WOMEN'S OPEN TITLES IN ROW

NEWS RELEASE FROM IRISH LADIES GOLF UNION

Finland's Minna Kaarnalahti, pictured above by Cal Carson Golf Agency, will attempt a hat-trick of Irish Senior Women’s Open Strokeplay titles when competitors tee up at Castlerock on Wednesday 11 September.

In last year’s championship at Royal Belfast, as the winds strengthened even further than the two previous days, joint overnight leader Kaarnalahti fired a final round 76 to win by 5 strokes from Sheena McElroy (Grange) who leap frogged the field to second place after a fine 80. 

Local favourite Marlyn Henderson (Royal Belfast) finished third after a closing 83 while 2010 Champion Helen Jones (Royal Portrush) slipped to fourth after an 85.

In 2011, Kaarnalahti fired a final round 77 to defeat Ireland’s Pauline Walsh, Alison Bartlett (ENG) and Helen Jones by one stroke at Greenore. In a record number of entrants, the 103 strong field sees players from Canada, Denmark, England, Finland, Germany, The Netherlands, Scotland, Sweden, Wales and USA making the trip. Indeed the strongest challenge to Kaarnalahti’s title defence is likely to come from the party of 34 Canadian stars, many of whom are making their debut at Castlerock. 

With England and the USA also boasting strong contingents, Ireland’s hopes will rest with Irish Seniors Close Champion Suzanne Corcoran (Portumna) who is currently on duty with her Senior International teammates at the European Senior Ladies Team Championships in Slovenia.
With Ireland defending the Nations Cup, this year’s tournament will be as competitive as ever with the majority of the field availing of additional practice for the British Seniors Open at Royal Portrush the following week. Two 18 hole strokeplay rounds on Wednesday and Thursday will see the field cut to 50 for the final round on Friday. The Irish party of just 30 will be keen to impress the Irish Selectors ahead of next week’s announcement of the Irish team to defend the Seniors Home International title in Wales in early October.