Goadby and Darling among Scots bidding to make mark at Scottish Women’s Open

Chloe Goadby, who yesterday won the BUCS Finals title at Lundin by nine shots, is among the Scots hoping to make their mark in a strong field for the Helen Holm Scottish Women’s Open.

Troon Portland and Royal Troon play host to the threeday strokeplay tournament which tees off today and also counts as a qualifier for this year’s PING Junior Solheim Cup.

St Regulus member Goadby, a Stirling University student, was in impressive form in windy conditions yesterday and is the highest ranked Scot in today’s field with a handicap of +4.7.

Local member Connie Jaffrey will be in the first group out today. She said: “I’m excited to be back playing in the Helen Holm, a tournament that is close to my heart. Troon is a true test and will be an exciting experience for all competitors and spectators alike.”

Hannah Darling will be looking to build on her impressive performance at the Scottish Girls’ Open as she continues her bid to make the junior European Solheim team for the cup event at Gleneagles. Broomieknowe member Darlingwho won the event over the Eden Course by six shots last week, said: “It’s a women’s event this week so it will be stepping up another level, but I am happy with where my game is at the moment.

“I am ready to take on the challenge and hopefully I can come out with a good finish at the Helen Holm this weekend.”

Slovenia’s Pia Babnik is one of the favourites to make the European team, currently sitting third in the official cup rankings. She said: “I would like to keep my good form from Spain and Portugal to try and get as many points for this year’s Junior Solheim Cup.

“I would really like to play well in the event, especially because it is in Scotland where I always play good golf.

“I am looking forward to competing this week, I love links courses and this year we have the opportunity to play on some of Scotland’s best at the Helen Holm, it should be an exciting event.”

This year’s championship will be played over 54 holes of strokeplay with the top 66, including ties, making the 36-hole cut.

The opening two rounds will be contested on Royal Troon and Portland with the final showdown taking place on Royal Troon’s Old Course.