Croham Hurst star Canice Screene said winning the AIG Irish Women’s Amateur Close Championship is a huge boost to her career after a thrilling win in Roscommon.
The Surrey golfer, whose parents are from Ireland, followed up her great week by breaking the hearts of the local faithful in the semi-final, when she defeated Olivia Costello (Roscommon), before a brilliant 2&1 win over Emma O’Driscoll (Ballybunion).
The 23-year-old had an impressive couple of rounds in stroke play and she backed up her opening 70 with a 69 for a -7 total and third place.
Screene then defeated Molly O’Hara (Clandeboye) 3&2 in the first round of the match play before an impressive 4&3 victory over reigning Bridgestone Order of Merit champion, Emma Fleming on Thursday.
She was 3 down early in her match against Costello but battled back and eventually won 16, 17 and 18 to seal her place in the decider.
Screene went into the ascendency early against O’Driscoll, however despite going 2up her opponent captured the fifth and 11th holes before Screene secured victory on 17.
“It’s been a long time coming, this one is very very special. This is my four or fifth year playing and I played the girls. This is really it for me,” said Screene.
“I had been playing well all week and I knew I was going to have to play well in this last match so to do it was really special.
“I definitely came in here to win, make the match play and then see how it goes. This has proven to me that I can win and I have been waiting very long to get over the finish line. I always said if I can win once I can win again.
“Hopefully I can just keep the momentum going, so we will see.”
Words: DARAGH SMALL