Royal Tara golfer set for qualifier final in UK

Royal Tara junior golfer Hannah Guerin put on an exceptional display at the Irish qualifier for the American Golf Junior Championship at Swords Golf Club making it through to the final that will be televised by Sky Sports.

The Meath girl played the round of her life scoring an impressive 47 points off a handicap of 24 to take first place in the girls’ nett category. 

She now progresses to the UK & Ireland final in August at Gainsborough Golf Club, home to tournament sponsor PING.

“We have a fantastic junior section in Royal Tara and we have more that 50 girls playing, Hannah won the Leinster Trophy last week in a thrilling final at Lucan,” stated girls co-ordinator Lucy Farrell.

“The girls have been part of a very successful Challenge Cup team and are now in the Leinster semi-final at Killeen Castle next Sunday.

“Hannah played in the earlier matches and has subsequently reduced her handicap, it's a fantastic achievement for Hannah and indeed the club having never reached this pinnacle before.

“Hannah showed true grit in all her matches and displayed a great nerve in matchplay, she was one of three girls from Royal Tara who qualified for the matchplay stage of the competition along with Niamh Carroll and Emma Byrne.

“Niamh was edged out in the quarter final and Emma was beaten on the 19th in the semi-final. she was four down on the 12th,” she added.

Looking forward, Farrell is optimistic that all the girls will continue to make progress and is anticipating a positive performance from 12-year-old Hannah Guerin in the UK.

She also highlighted the contribution of the Royal Tara committee in providing the opportunity and lots of encouragement for the girls.

“Hannah is not resting on her laurels and is ready for the finals at the end of August,” she added.

“Junior golf in Royal Tara is going from strength to strength and with more young girls just waiting in the wings to shine a great deal of gratitude must go to the club's committee all of whom are volunteers and give of their time so generously.

“Led by the captain Declan Bedford and vice-captain Larry O’Rourke, the ladies section comprises Marie Foley, Paula Kennedy, Deirdre Carroll, Trish Gaffney, Catherine Colgan and Linda Austin.

“We must not forget the parents who are so supportive and a pleasure to deal with.

“Our junior golfers are the future of the club and they bring a great attitude to the game and definitely uphold the spirit of the game of golf.

“We will continue to nurture them and hopefully they will continue to improve and one day represent their province and country,” she concluded.