Webb and McCarthy set the pace in Kinsale

Laura Webb (Royal Portrush) will take a three shot lead into the final round of the Irish Senior Women's Amateur Open Championship. Photo: Inpho | Tom Maher

Laura Webb leads the way heading into the final round of the Irish Senior Women’s Amateur Open Championship, as the former champion battled hard to hold a three-shot lead after a testing second day for many at Kinsale Golf Club.

The Royal Portrush golfer, who claimed the title in emphatic style at Malone in 2022 with a seven-shot victory, laid down a marker on Wednesday with a scintillating four-under-par 70, highlighted by five birdies and a closing eagle on the par-five 18th.

“I started off very nicely,” said Webb.

“Got a long putt on the first for a birdie and that always settles you down a little bit so made advantage of the par fives as well and when I needed to, scrambled well.”

Thursday’s second round, however, proved a much tougher test for the field, with swirling winds moving in throughout the afternoon on the scenic West Cork course. Despite the conditions, Webb ground out a one-over-par 75 to stay on top of the leaderboard, three shots clear of Gertie McMullen (The Island) in second.

“I certainly putted much better yesterday than I did today. Had the feel for the greens more so that was probably the biggest difference to today’s round where I didn’t feel I putted anywhere near as well,” said Webb.

“Today’s round was all about getting it round rather than necessarily making a good score just because of how I started off playing.”

With 18 holes remaining, Webb will be aiming for one more composed performance before heading to Walton Heath next week for the R&A Senior Women’s Amateur Championship, and crossing the Irish Sea with another trophy in hand would be an added bonus.

“It’s always nice to win something so winning would be really good,” said Webb.

“Hopefully put me in a good frame of mind for next week when I’m playing in the R&A British Seniors so if I can keep going that’ll be great and we’ll just see what happens tomorrow.”

In the Irish Senior Men’s Amateur Close Championship, Cork native Dave McCarthy also holds the lead at three under par after making the most of the early morning calm.

The Bandon golfer followed up an opening round 69 with a steady level par 70 to take a two-shot advantage over local Kinsale member Kieran McCarthy heading into the final round.

“If you offered me that at the start of the week, I’d have bitten the hand off you so very happy,” said McCarthy.

“Playing well, the course is playing well so very happy. One or two careless dropped shots but overall, very happy with the performance really. I’d be here often enough playing Barton Shield and Senior Cups and the open days and scratch cups so it’s practically home from home.”

With the cut set at +11 in the Senior Men’s Close Championship and +21 in the Senior Women’s Open Championship, the top 35 men and top 30 women have made it through to tomorrow’s final round, with 18 holes of stroke play set to decide this year’s champions tomorrow afternoon.

View scoring and final round tee times here