THE KPMG Irish Women’s Open at Dromoland Castle has concluded with Klára Spilková winning the title following a three-way play off.
Crowds of 24,000 were at the stunning Co Clare venue across the four days marking the return of the Women’s Irish Open for the first time in ten years. The Newmarket-on-Fergus course was in immaculate condition and is set to host the 2023 and potentially 2024 tournaments.
Twenty seven year old Klára birdied the par-five 18th to defeat Nicole Broch Estrup and Ursula Wikstrom, both of whom made pars. The trio finished on 14 under par after a dramatic final day. The winner from the Czech Republic made her crucial charge around the turn, with four birdies in six holes between holes 6 and 11 to capture the title and the €60,000 cash prize.
Cavan’s Leona Maguire was one of four players to finish one shot back after a 68 including a birdie on 18 when she needed an eagle to make the play-off.
Annabel Dimmock who was leading prior to the final day of action was a further shot behind. Alongside Maguire, the twenty five year old was among the most popular golfers in action on the final day.
With a packed leaderboard, multiple players made their way on to the final green with a chance to move into at least a share of the lead.
Denmark’s Smilla Soenderby had an eagle putt that would have seen her moved to 15 under, but three-putted and did not even make the play-off.
Before claiming her first win in five years, Spilkova birdied the last to card a round of 67 while Wikstrom forced her way in to the extra holes with four birdies in the final five holes.
