Roscommon golfer Olivia Costello was delighted to put herself in pole position, as she registered a second round 67 for a seven-under-par total and a three-shot lead in the Flogas Irish Girls’ Amateur Open Championship.
It was the penultimate day of action at Corrstown and the 18-year-old notched seven birdies as she edged clear of Hannah Lee-McNamara (Royal Portrush) at the top of the standings, with the pair set to do battle for the third round running.
“We both get on really well. We played with each other since we were nine or ten, so we’ve known each other a long time,” said Costello.
“I’ll just treat it as another round. I haven’t really played that well in the last couple of months.
“It’s the biggest girls’ event in Ireland so it would be a great one to win.”
Costello and Lee-McNamara shared the overnight lead on two-under-par but three birdies at tail end of her front nine helped Costello into a one-shot advantage at the turn.
Moyola Park’s Kayleigh Mulholland also pushed on and was one shot further in arrears, thanks to a brilliant front nine where she carded four birdies before she finished with a 71.
40 players made the cut for Sunday, and while Lee-McNamara finished with a second successive round of 70, Costello birdied 10, 13, 14 and 15, and despite a bogey on 16, she closed with two pars for a three-shot lead.
“You have to plot your way around, hit woods off certain tee boxes and short irons are really important to give yourself the chance,” said Costello.
“I played well, gave myself opportunities and I took them when they came. My approach play was a lot better than it was yesterday.
“The putts dropped today and they didn’t really drop yesterday.”
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Article Link: Costello three clear at Flogas Irish Girls - News - Irish Golf Desk