Paula Grant claims Irish Women’s Close championship at windswept Ballybunnion

Paula Grant recorded the most significant success of her fledgling career yesterday when she won the Irish Women’s Close championship in ferocious winds at Ballybunnion.

The 19-year-old from Lisburn came from behind to edge to an extra-hole victory in the final over Lisa Maguire (18), from Slieve Russell.

Maguire turned for home one up but missed a putt at the 10th to be back to all square. Then Maguire, who on Saturday beat twin sister Leona in the second round, won two holes on the bounce.

But Grant won both 13 and 15 to level matters only to fall behind again at the 17th when she failed to get up and down from a bunker.

When Maguire finished in the rough with her second shot at the last the Lisburn teenager drew level. Grant sank a 20-foot putt at the first extra hole for victory.