POOTS WINS IRISH WOMEN’S AMATEUR CLOSE

Katie Poots of Knock is the 2026 AIG Irish Women’s Amateur Close Champion after defeating Hannah Lee-McNamara of Royal Portrush 4&3 in the final at Enniscrone Golf Club.

All square after four holes, Poots won the fifth and sixth holes to go two-up, the next three holes were halved, then Poots struck again winning the tenth and eleventh to be 4-up, Lee-McNamara tried to fight back winning the twelfth and fourteenth, but Poots responded winning the thirteenth and sealing victory with another win on the fifteenth.

Poots said it was special to have family by her side as she was crowned champion.  The 21-year-old had her sister Erin as her caddie, while her mother and father were also in Enniscrone to celebrate the win. 

“I honestly can’t believe it,” said Poots.”

“It’s been a busy week with my sister playing and everything, a lot of mixed emotions, but delighted to get it over the line and celebrate with my family.”

“When I was two down with four to play (in the semi-final) my sister just told me to trust my game and just keep doing what I have been doing. It worked out in the end but it was a really good finish. I had three birdies to finish.”

“I just stuck to my game plan (in the final), hit fairways, hit greens and then hit putts and see if they drop. Ended up winning which is lovely, that was just the main goal.”
 
“It was so nice to get it over the line with my family beside me, doesn’t happen too often with the four of us and then having Erin on the bag was really nice, to have her in the midst of everything.” 

Enniscrone member, Sophie Dodd won the O-18 Women’s Plate much to the delight of a large crowd of homer supporters, while Sophie Park (Grange) claimed the Girls’ crown. 

Photos: Gerry Ruddy.