BETH Coulter was made to settle for second place at the Irish Women’s and Girls’ Amateur Championship despite a comeback effort from the Kirkistown Castle teen.
Arizona State star Coulter, who hit a blistering 68 for a share of the first round lead and a course record at Woodbrook, went into the final round three shots back of Scotland’s Lorna McClymont but found herself chasing by just one at the turn thanks to an eagle at the par-five fifth.
The 19 year-old more than made amends for a drop shot at the 11th to once again pull level with leader McClymont after her second eagle at the par-five 14th, but defending champion McClymont pulled away with an eagle of her own on 16 to card a closing three-under 71 and retain the title she won in Baltray last year.
It’s now five wins in six appearances for the East Dunbartonshire phenomenon who may well turn professional in the future, but only after she finishes her studies at University of Stirling.
Coulter carded the same score in her final round, finishing the week 13-under, with England’s Jessica Hall taking third at 11-under-par with a closing 72 in County Wicklow.
