Alyson McKechin reaches last 32 of British Amateur Open Championships

Jul 5 2012 by Paul Behan, Paisley Daily Express

RISING star Alyson McKechin has added another feather to her cap by making it to the last 32 of the British Women’s Open Amateur Championships.

The event was staged at Carnoustie Links, where 144 of the best amateur golfers around battled it out for the top prize.

Paisley-based McKechin, who is a member of Elderslie Golf Club, made the matchplay qualifiers and was one of only four Scots to do so.

In the knockout stages, she took on none other than Curtis Cup player Bronte Law and the battling Buddie registered a 5&3 win over her 17-year-old opponent.

McKechin then went on to face French ace Laure Castelain in the last 32 and her title bid was eventually bunkered as she lost out by two holes, despite being one-up with three to play.

There was almost a sensational result for McKechin at the short 13th, where she came agonisingly close to bagging a hole-in-one.

The ball came to rest just an inch or two from the cup but it was a fantastic shot regardless.

McKechin’s proud dad Ian reckons that by reaching the latter stages of such a high-profile tournament, his daughter has shown that she has got the game needed to make it to the very top of Scottish ladies golf.

He said: “The British Amateur Championships really were a step up in class for Alyson.

“But she handled it all very well. There was such a high-quality field, with 144 great players involved, so it’s a great achievement for her to have reached the last 32.”

The eventual winner was Stephanie Meadow, of Royal Portrush, who beat Spain’s Rocio Sanchez Lobato by 4&3 in their final showdown.

A spokesperson for the Renfrewshire Ladies County Golf Association was full of praise for Alyson’s efforts and said: “What a great experience this was for Alyson.

“Many congratulations go to her from everyone in the county for qualifying for the matchplay stages and reaching the last 32.

“It was a fantastic achievement.”

McKechin, who is a former pupil at Trinity High School in Renfrew, has enjoyed a very encouraging season so far.

In April, the 18-year-old Paisley player swept to victory in the Renfrewshire County Championship when she defeated Megan Briggs, of Kilmacolm, by 3&2 at Erskine Golf Club to clinch the title for the first time.

McKechin was also part of the Renfrewshire team that was crowned 2012 Inter County Golf champions.

And, as a result of their stunning victory, they sealed a place in the Scottish County Finals, to be played at Montrose Links in September, when they will battle it out for the national title.

Renfrewshire accomplished the mission thanks to a 6½-2½ victory over Ayrshire on the last day of the West Division Women’s Inter-County team championship, which was played at Cardross.