Top 25 finish for Walsh at KPMG Women’s Irish Open
Lauren Walsh finished second of the Irish at the KPMG Women's Irish Open Photo: ©INPHO/Tom Maher
Qualifying for the cut for the first time in three years at the KPMG Women's Irish Open, Kildare's Lauren Walsh produced an impressive performance to finish tied for 25th, and second among the Irish players, on eight-under-par after four rounds at The K Club.
The tournament, which got under way on Thursday, was won by South Africa's Casandra Alexander, who led from the opening day and finished on 20-under-par. The leading Irish player was The K Club touring professional Leona Maguire, who finished five shots behind in a share of fourth place.
Next best of the Irish contingent was former Castlewarden golfer Walsh, whose eight-under total secured a share of 25th place.
Walsh, who turns 26 on September 11, was one of a record 16 Irish players in the field. The Kill native only turned professional three years ago and began the final round on five-under-par after an excellent third-round 67.
She continued that form on Sunday, opening with pars at the first and second before birdieing the par-five third and par-four fourth. Further pars followed on the fifth and sixth before she picked up her third birdie of the day at the par-five seventh.
A fourth birdie arrived at the par-four 11th, although she gave a shot back with a bogey on the 12th. Walsh then parred each of the remaining six holes to complete a three-under-par round of 69, adding to earlier scores of 74, 70 and 67.
The Carton House touring professional enjoyed strong support from family and friends throughout the week and rewarded them with a fine finish. After finding herself five-over-par on the back nine of her opening round, Walsh battled back superbly to put herself in contention for a high finish, highlighted by her five-under-par third round on Saturday.
