Golf: Driving is key to Megan's success

May 28 2009 by Paul Behan, Paisley Daily Express

MEGAN Briggs has admitted her driving accuracy played a significant part in her winning the 95th Scottish Women’s Amateur Golf Championship.

The Renfrewshire ace captured the trophy at Southerness Golf Club after she defeated Pitreavie’s Louise Kenney 4&3 in the final.

And the 19-year-old second year Law student, who attends Strathclyde University, reckoned she kept on course for the title by keeping her driving from the tee in check.

She said: “My driving was very accurate, which was crucial in the wind.

“And my short game was very steady too and it’s probably what saw me right through to the final.”

Briggs admitted her latest trophy win was a great honour and the perfect preparation for the British Women’s Open Amateur Championship at Royal St David’s Golf Club, Harlech in North Wales next month.

Megan began her tournament with a dramatic 8&7 win over Wendy Nicholson of Broomieknowe, before defeating Gillian Monteith of Portpatrick Dunskey in round two.

In the quarter finals, she faced Laura Murray of Alford and, again, this game was tight but Briggs eventually edged it 3&1.

in the semi-final, Jane Turner of Craigielaw awaited and this game went to the 19th hole, where Megan won to ease into the final.

And on the day she proved too strong for Kenney. She won the trophy and brings it home to Renfrewshire, where she represents Kilmacolm Golf Club.

Not only did she win the trophy, she also picked up a second place in the Glover 21st Anniversary Cup, which is presented to the winner of the lowest gross score in the second round.

In addition, she won the Lyon Salver for the best nett score in round two and the NPFA Cup for the lowest nett score in medal rounds.

Megan’s latest success gives her an excellent opportunity to force her way into the Great Britain and Ireland Ladies team.

Neither Megan or Louise Kenney were named early last October when the preliminary squad for the Vagliano Trophy match against the Continent of Europe at Hamburger Golf Club, Germany in July, was announced.

But after the British women’s open amateur championship at Royal St David’s Golf Club, the Ladies Golf Union Selection committee will choose nine players who have shown the best form in 2009, whether they are in that preliminary squad or not.

Next year’s 96th Scottish women’s closed amateur championship will be played for the first time at Craigielaw and, in 2011, the venue will be Machrihanish.