Irish send six girls to Spain for warm

 weather training


IRISH LGU NEWS RELEASE

Six members of the ILGU High Performance Panel travelled to Spain earlier this week for four days of warm weather training with ILGU High Performance Coach, Johnny Foster, ILGU Strength and Conditioning Coach, Robbie Cannon and ILGU Psychologist, Lee-Ann Sharp.

World number 9 ranked amateur golfer, Olivia Mehaffey (Royal Co Down Ladies) travelled with Valerie Clancy (Killarney), Mairead Martin (Killarney), Julie McCarthy (Forrest Little), Niamh McSherry (Lurgan) and Annabel Wilson (Lurgan).

The four-day training schedule focuses on short-game skills, strength and conditioning and team-building exercises. The week sees a mix of on-course practice, coaching, fitness and reflection.  Johnny undertakes the delivery of a co-ordinated programme of high-quality short game coaching sessions, reflecting the individual needs of each of the girls.

Robbie emphasises the importance of physical conditioning, nutrition and rest and recovery while Lee-Ann works with the panel on preparation, imagery and learning opportunities.

This busy and beneficial week in Spain all works towards securing a successful season for each player. After two top five finishes in the South American Amateur and Portuguese Amateur earlier this year, Mehaffey jumped up two places in the world rankings to secure her spot at number 9 this week. 

Ireland now has two players in the top 10, with Leona Maguire (Slieve Russell/Duke) placed first since May 2015.

Mehaffey will compete in the Spanish International Ladies Amateur Open Championship from March 2 to 6, alongside Maria Dunne (Skerries), Paula Grant (Lisburn), Jessica Ross (Donaghadee) and Chloe Ryan (Castletroy). 

Members of the ILGU HP panel will also travel to the French U21 Championship in late March.