Ireland’s Anna Foster has qualified for the AIG Women’s Open – but only after a nervy play-off at Royal Lytham & St Anne’s.
The famous Lancashire course will host the major from 30 July to 2 August and 13 spots were up for grabs at Monday’s qualifier with Foster’s score of two-under par getting her into a play-off spot.
With seven players finishing better than two-under, it meant that six play-off spots were up for grabs for the eight plays who finished in a tie for eighth.
“The wind was still blowing early this morning, but I managed to get out there and make a good start which gave me a little bit of a cushion as there are some tough holes on the back nine” Foster said afterwards.
“I feel like I’ve been playing well recently and tried to lean on the times I’ve come through final qualifying before in 2023 and 2025. I was definitely thinking about those previous occasions and the positive memories.
“You don’t need to be perfect to get through, you can plot your way round, and I tried to remind myself of that. It’s quite a tough and stressful day and I just tried to keep it simple.
“It’s exciting to play again in the AIG Women’s Open. Each time I’ve played I’ve got a bit more experience and I feel like I belong there more.”
Amateur Beth Coulter (E), Sara Byrne (+5), Aine Donegan (+7) and Annabel Wilson (+8) all missed out on qualification.
Leona Maguire and Lauren Walsh are the other Irish players that will tee it up from Thursday.