Chloe Ryan wins Critchley Trophy at Sunningdale
Chloe Ryan (Castletroy) watches a tee shot at Mullingar in the 2017 Irish Women's Close. Picture by Pat Cashman
Castletroy's Chloe Ryan birdied the last two holes to win the prestigious Critchley Trophy at Sunningdale and build up a head of steam for the St Rule Trophy at St Andrews and what she hopes will be a return to the Irish team.
The 25-year-old made seven birdies in a four-under 71 on the New Course in the first round to share third place, one stroke behind Stoke Park's Thalia Kirby and Bury St Edmunds' Alice Barlow.
But she was equally impressive on the Old Course in the afternoon, making another seven birdies in a three-under 71 to win by one stroke from West Wilts' Sarah Gee on seven-under-par.
"I am absolutely thrilled to win at Sunningdale," said law student Chloe, who has completed a Masters degree and will graduate in July. "I've been a member here since January after I moved to London last year. The courses were incredible as always.
"The event was great, and scoring was very good. And my name goes up on the wall in the clubhouse bar, so that's really exciting.
"I played great, had 14 birdies and a few mistakes here and there, but overall, I am absolutely delighted to win."
Chloe Ryan shows off the Critchley Trophy at Sunningdale
She birdied the first two holes in the afternoon, bogeyed the fifth, seventh and eighth but then birdied the ninth, 10th and 11th and followed a bogey at the par-five 14th with birdies at the last two holes to claim the trophy.
Now working in London for major law firm Mishcon de Reya, she hopes to become a dual-qualified solicitor in England and Ireland over the next three years and specialise in sports law.
She was considered unfortunate to miss out on selection for Ireland again last year following her brilliant performance in the Palmer Cup but a strong performance at the Home of Golf this weekend should put her in the frame for another cap.
The Critchley Trophy is played in memory of 1930 British champion and Curtis Cup player, Diana Critchley (née Fishwick), mother of the former Walker Cup player and television commentator, Bruce Critchley.
Ryan's countrywoman, Georgia Carr shot rounds of 75 and 76, rounding off her day with an eagle three, to finish 12th on two-over par.
