Annabel Dimmock, a 27-year-old London native, won in an astonishing return from a significant hand surgery that saved her career. Her victory came in the KPMG Women’s Irish Open, defeating Pauline Roussin Bouchard from France at the second playoff hole on the O’Meara course. This win is particularly momentous since Dimmock only recently resumed playing a reduced schedule a year post-operation.
Interestingly, Dimmock may have had the advantage of local support, as her mother Louise originates from Youghal in Co Cork. Approximately 9,000 spectators cheered her on during the final day, making the game even more thrilling. Dimmock’s victory can be attributed to her exceptional performance, marking her second victory in the Ladies European Tour (LET), but what makes this win distinct is her incredible recovery from injury.
Both Dimmock and Roussin Bouchard ended the match at 19 under par 273, outperforming Ursula Wikstrom of Finland by one shot. Pauline Roussin Bouchard, an ex-world amateur number one known for incorporating martial arts in her fitness training, produced an impressive final round of 65, including nine birdies, forcing her into playoff with Dimmock who ended with a 70.
In this neck-and-neck competition, however, Dimmock prevailed securing her second LET title, adding to her Jabra Open win in 2019, where coincidentally, Roussin Bouchard finished second. It was the nail-biting second sudden death hole that determined the winner. Roussin Bouchard’s large 320-yard drive ended up in a poorly made half-shot to the flag on the first playoff hole. In her second attempt, she swung a 3-wood that veered left into thick rough. Conversely, Dimmock expertly drove 310 yards down the fairway, placing her in a strong position to claim victory.
Roussin Boucard, from a disadvantaged position in the rough and with the ball elevated, strove to get closer to the green. Her effort was commendable, but her 50-yard pitch overshot the pin, rolling too far. Dimmock, on the other hand, successfully landed on the putting surface, and a 35-foot two-putt par was enough to claim victory when Boucard’s par pitch fell short.
Dimmock’s triumph secured her a €60,000 reward and concluded the online documentary by the LET portraying her recovery from surgery. Despite the medical prognosis of a two-year hiatus from golf, Dimmock returned to the game in eight months and seized victory in her eighth comeback tournament.
Dimmock expressed pride in her determination along her recovery journey, acknowledging the support from her team, friends, and family. She highlighted the effort, resilience, and emotions invested in returning to her physical peak.
Swiss newcomer, 24-year-old Chiara Tamburlini, also impressed with a concluding 65, totalling 17-under-par 275, ranking her solo fourth. This result took her to the pinnacle of the LET order of merit.
For Maguire, the title was beyond her reach. However, she found her stride towards the end, achieving her tournament best of 282 with four birdies out of five holes, including three consecutive from the 15th hole. This saw her finish in the top 15 and shaped her form for the upcoming Solheim Cup. She attributed her putting improvement to the challenging wind conditions in Scotland before the tournament, which seemed to have refined her skills. She completed her final round in just 29 putts.
Maguire expressed a sense of control over his game, stating that he didn’t make many mistakes. He managed to hit 16 greens in the regular course once more and pocketed a couple of balls when playing the back end. He felt it was a fine performance, although the margins were quite minute. While scoring 10-under, he felt it could’ve easily reached 25-under. Now, after four consecutive weeks of competitive play starting with the Olympics, he can relax. He expressed satisfaction with his performance, which ended on a high note at the final Coldplay concert in Croke Park.
In related news, Anna Abom, a young woman from Dublin, had the honour of participating in the trophy presentation for the leading amateur. This ceremony held special significance as last year, it was Sara Byrne who received the very same amateur trophy. Sara later emerged as a star player contributing to GB and Ireland’s victory at Sunningdale when they won the Curtis Cup competition.