Mehaffey all set for Tour debut

Banbridge High School student Olivia Mehaffey is to make the giant step into the world of professional golf this weekend.
By The Newsroom
Published 12th Mar 2014, 09:40 BST
Olivia Mehaffey (Royal County Down Ladies) driving on the 11th tee on her way to victory in the Irish U18 Girls' Open Strokeplay Championship at Roganstown Golf Club today (21/04/2013).Olivia Mehaffey (Royal County Down Ladies) driving on the 11th tee on her way to victory in the Irish U18 Girls' Open Strokeplay Championship at Roganstown Golf Club today (21/04/2013).
Olivia Mehaffey (Royal County Down Ladies) driving on the 11th tee on her way to victory in the Irish U18 Girls' Open Strokeplay Championship at Roganstown Golf Club today (21/04/2013).

Coming up against the likes of Solheim Cup star Charley Hull, the surroundings will be a little different from her home club in Tandragee but the 16 year-old doesn’t seem daunted.

The Ulster and Ireland representative won the Faldo Series event at Lough Erne last year before finishing second in the Girls’ division at the Grand Final in October. Sir Nick arranged this invitation for the 16-year-old.

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“I’m extremely thankful to Sir Nick and the Ladies European Tour for giving me this amazing opportunity,” said Mehaffey, also a member of Royal County Down.

“The Faldo Series is different to other amateur tournaments in that if you perform well at a Grand Final you can be invited to play in a professional Tour event, which is a huge prize.

“I’m looking forward to testing myself against some of Europe’s best players in Morocco.”

The Ladies European Tour are welcoming of young golfers. Last year this very tournament was won by 17 year-old rookie Ariya Jutanugarn.

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“We are delighted Olivia has taken up this invitation to play in the Lalla Meryem Cup, which will be celebrating its 20th anniversary this year,” said Di Barnard, Tour Director of the LET Access Series.

“The Ladies European Tour has enjoyed a close collaboration with the Faldo Series to help provide playing opportunities for developing young players. It will be a tremendous experience for Olivia to compete alongside the best players in European golf and enjoy the atmosphere of a Ladies European Tour event.”

Sir Nick Faldo added: “This is a unique opportunity for Olivia to compete against some of the world’s top professional golfers and I’m sure she will make the most of the experience”.

Follow Olivia’s progress over the weekend at www.ladieseuropeantour.com.