Paula is champion

Paula Grant (Lisburn) driving from the 17th tee during the final round of the 2013 Irish Women's Open Strokeplay Championship at the Castle Golf Club. Picture by Pat Cashman

Paula, who two years ago was Irish Girls Close Amateur champion and was Ulster Women’s champion last year, claimed the most significant success of her career last weekend when she secured the Irish Women’s title in ferocious winds at Ballybunnion.

The Lisburn girl edged to an extra-hole victory in a dramatic final over Lisa Maguire (18), from Slieve Russell.

In extremely wild weather Paula faced some tough conditions.

Paula stated: “There were 40mph winds and a little bit of rain, it was hard to play in but you just had to stay patient.

“It was nice to actually win and I would like to thank my dad who was there with me and caddied for me. Thank you to Lisburn Golf Club for all their help and Stephen Hamill, Lisburn’s Professional, who is my coach.”

Paula was one down with just the 18th to play but she took the decider to a sudden-death play-off and won on the first extra hole.

Paula won both 13 and 15 to level matters only to fall behind again at the 17th when she failed to get up and down from a bunker.

When Maguire finished in the rough with her second shot at the last the Lisburn teenager drew level. Paula sank a superb 22 foot par putt at the first extra hole for victory.

The win adds to Paula’s growing reputation in golfing circles. The Lisburn teenager has been selected for the Ladies European Team Championships, which will be held in Fulford, York from July 9-13, as well as the European Individual championship in Finland.