Mehaffey to face Helly for Irish Women's Close crown
Olivia Mehaffey, ILGU President Valerie Hassett, Sarah Helly and referee Tracey Spence befor the final. Picture Pat Cashman
She might have some way to go to catch world No 1 Leona Maguire but Olivia Mehaffey can pick up her fourth title of the season in this afternoon's Irish Women's Amateur Close final at Rosapenna Hotel and Golf Resort.
The 17-year old world No 59, winner already this year of the Irish Under 18 as well as the Scottish and Welsh Strokeplay titles, saw off Howth's Laura Doherty 2 and 1 in the first semi-final to set up a clash with Enniscrone's Sarah Helly in this afternoon's final over the Tom Morris links at the stunning Co Donegal resort.
Olivia Mehaffey. Picture: Pat Cashman
It was par golf until Olivia birdied the ninth to take a significant three hole advantage and while Laura never gave up and fired back with birdies on the 12th and 13th and a par at the 14th to square the match, Olivia claimed two of the next three holes to close out a 2 and 1 win.
Olivia Mehaffey with the Ita Wallace plate. Picture: Pat Cashman
In the other semi-final, defending champion Mary Doyle from The Heath and Enniscrone's Sarah Helly were celebrating their birthdays today and there was equally great golf played by both.
Sarah secured an early birdie on the 2nd and followed this with one on the 9th to turn one up.
She added another on the par-five 11th to increase her lead to two holes but the title holder made a three at the to cut the deficit to one hole.
The Enniscrone golfer stayed patient, however, and rolled in a birdie on the 17th to progress to the final by 2 and 1.
It should be a thrilling affair with Mehaffey edging out Helly on count back for the leading qualifier honours at the weekend.
As the protagonists prepared for the final, brilliant sunshine was the order of the day as Danielle McVeigh was presented with the Ita Wallace Plate for her victory in yesterday's final.
Irish Women's Amateur Close Championship
Final
Olivia Mehaffey (Royal Co. Down Ladies) –v- Sarah Helly (Enniscrone)
Semi-Finals
- Olivia Mehaffey (Royal Co. Down Ladies) beat Laura Doherty (Howth) 2&1
- Sarah Helly (Enniscrone) beat Mary Doyle (The Heath) 2&1
