The successful transformation of the KPMG Women’s Irish Open into a premier event on the Ladies European Tour is an inspiring tale for those aspiring to achieve their dreams. Identifying with this message, a triumvirate of golfers, hailing from Italy, Finland, and Spain, paved their way from tee to green at the O’Meara course at Carton House, amassing initial rounds of five under par 68 each.
Alessandra Fanali, Ursula Wikstrom, and Luna Sobron Galmes, each still eyeing their first triumph on the Ladies European Tour, basked in the beautifully maintained course, taking advantage of tricky pin positions, and displaying their adept stroke-playing skills while entertaining a tangible aspiration for victory.
While pursuing their dreams, they faced competition from equally ambitious rivals. The duo representing Europe at the Solheim Cup – scheduled to take on the United States in Virginia in two weeks – displayed their individual prowess – Ireland’s Leona Maguire securing a bogey-free 70, and England’s Georgia Hall reviving a two-over from her first eight holes to end up with an even par 73.
Among all the unfolding narratives, Olivia Mehaffey’s story emerged as perhaps the most emotionally rewarding. After a sabbatical owing to anxiety-related problems that had disrupted her early season, the 26-year-old player from Co Down rejoined the Tour after a 10 week break. Captivating the field with her revitalised energy and cheerful demeanour, Mehaffey began with a modest one under par 72 which was subtler than a simple string of numbers on her scoreboard.
“Having not derived this much enjoyment from the game of golf for quite some time, it was a thoroughly enjoyable experience,” said an elated Mehaffey, a past Curtis Cup champion from the winning Great Britain and Ireland team at Dún Laoghaire in 2016.
Mehaffey had abstained from competitive play since her departure from the Italian Open back in June and mostly engaged in friendly golf games as she sought to reignite her passion for golf. On resuming her participation in the LET, Mehaffey provided insight into her mindset during this period, holding a scoring card.
She stated, “I tried to put out of my mind the fact that I hadn’t stepped into a competitive game for more than two months. I just wanted to play the game. That’s what I concentrated on during my time off. I’ve simply been playing the game casually. I’ve never played so much golf before and stepped away from the practice range. I wanted to rediscover my love for the game, to revel in the play, the competition, the scoring. I wanted to let go of the pressure of making perfect swings and shots.”
And that is exactly what Mehaffey did. She played freely, mostly beaming and evidently satisfied. Securing tickets to Monday night’s Coldplay concert at Croke Park, where she plans to join Maguire, added some joy to her strides.
Mehaffey remarked, “Being back and seeing everyone again has been truly enjoyable. It’s been a hectic week, and holding a scorecard again feels a bit strange. It’s all fun and games when you’re simply playing with your friends and a ten-pound note is at stake. But actual competitive play is a completely different experience. However, it’s exhilarating to feel that thrill again.”
“I feel that my performance has been steadily improving in recent weeks, but you can never be sure until you’re in a competitive environment. My observations this year has been that I’ve consistently played well during practice and hit good on the range. Yet, I’ve encountered difficulties with my mental state and feelings of anxiety on the golf course.
“It was almost like a different version of me turned up for competition. Hence, it was refreshing to feel like my old, fiery, and competitive self, taking pleasure in the game and the atmosphere, and smiling out on the field once more.”
Mehaffey was one of four Irish contenders who scored under-par rounds, with Maguire’s 70 – three under – placing her well to pose stiff competition. The young amateurs, Olivia Costello and Anna Abom, also continued to display immense potential.
Costello, hailing from Co Roscommon and recently involved in the successful GB&I’s Junior Vagliano Trophy competition against the Continental Europe, managed a impressive two-under-par 71, while Abom, a resident of Edmonstown in south Dublin, scored a 72. For the triumvirate leading following the first round, the task is to keep up the momentum while they each strive for their initial victory on the LET. As noted by Sobron from Spain, the greens on this course are the finest they’ve competed on thus far during the year. Ultimately, this feature may determine the winner of the game. One round is already completed, and three more are waiting.