Ross battles testing conditions to lead in Newlands
Jessica Ross will take a one stroke lead into tomorrow's final round of the Flogas Irish Women's Amateur Open Championship at Newlands Golf Club.
The Clandeboye golfer carded a second round 72 (-1) in testing conditions to end the day on three-under par after yesterday's opening 71.
Ross got off to a rocky start, bogeying the Par 5 2nd, before reeling off three birdies in a row and then holing out for a sensational eagle on the Par 4 8th, to make the turn in 33.
Speaking afterwards, the 2025 European Mid-Amateur Champion appeared relaxed ahead of tomorrow's final round.
"I'll just try do the same as I did the last couple of days and see where that takes me"
Ross also gave an insight into the part the weather played on a windy day in Dublin, that has resulted in just three players being under par for the tournament.
"It was very testing, first five or six holes fairly heavy rain, and then dried up but it was quite gusty, so it was hard to club yourself and get around"
Ross will be out in the final group alongside defending champion Louise Landgraf, who produced a superb front nine to thrust herself into contention.
The French star recorded five birdies on the front nine to go out in 31, and only for a bogey on the last, would have been tied at the top.
On the prospect of winning back-to-back championships, the 2025 Champion shared her excitement at the opportunity, but is remaining focused on the job at hand.
"It would be amazing, honestly, but my main focus is just to have fun, especially in this weather, it can definitely be a bit more difficult. It would be amazing to win again but I think most importantly just to play my game".
Ross & Landgraf will be joined by England's Ella Butteriss tomorrow after the Beaconsfield golfer recorded a level par round to remain on one-under, two strokes back, keeping herself very much in contention.
The 36-hole cut came in at +19, with top 50 and ties advancing to the final round.
The final round action gets underway tomorrow morning at 8.19am, with the final group of Ross, Landgraf and Butteriss teeing off at 11.15am.
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