*Irish international golfer, Aideen Walsh, as Sports Direct is unveiled as new partner of the 2022 KPMG Women’s Irish Open. Walsh, the Sports Direct ambassador for the tournament which takes place in Dromoland Castle from September 22nd – 25th, announced the launch of their new ‘Get A Grip’ campaign to support the partnership. Photograph: James Crombie / Inpho
ENNIS GOLFER Aideen Walsh is eagerly looking forward to playing with many of the world’s top lady professional golfers in this week’s Irish Women’s Open in Dromoland.
A member of Dromoland Golf Club, she was delighted to receive an invite from the club to play in this week’s event.
Speaking to The Clare Echo after a practice round at the club on Tuesday, the three times Irish ladies senior cup winner with Lahinch said, “it’s great to have this championship back after twelve years. There is a huge buzz around the place and I am really looking forward to taking part”.
Aideen recalled joining the junior section at Woodstock under the then junior conveynor James Meade. Her father Martin, a leading pitch and putt player and current captain of the Clare pitch and putt team, brought herself and her brother Cormac to the club. Cormac is currently developing his golf skills in South Carolina.
“I took to the game quickly and managed to move up and ranks and get the handicap down through the junior section at Woodstock. I was fortunate to get to join Lahinch and get on to various teams there and that afforded me the opportunity to play with Irish internationals on a regular basis and to develop my skills,” the plus 3 handicapper told The Clare Echo.
“I played in a similar event in Northern Ireland last year but it’s great to have the opportunity to play in an event like this at home where family, friends and club members will be in attendance”, said the primary school teacher who is currently teaching three days a week at Scoil Chriost Rí in Cloughleigh.
Aideen who received her education at Ennis CBS national school, Rice College and Mary Immaculate College doesn’t see herself joining the professional ranks at the moment.
Asked if she will be nervous playing with many of the World’s leading female golfers this week she replied “nerves are always a part of these occasions”. Having played a key role in helping Lahinch to win three Irish senior cup titles, she is well used to pressure situations in golf.
With the support of a big following from within Clare golf, Aideen can be relied upon to provide them with plenty to cheer about.
Having participated in the practice rounds on Monday and Tuesday and the Pro-Am on Wednesday, she is all set to play alongside a field that includes Cavan’s Leona Maguire who is currently making a name for herself in the world field of ladies professional golf.
All her supporters will be cheering her on and hoping that she will be amongst the leading 60 players that will make it through to the final two days play on Saturday and Sunday.
