Cheap putter pays dividend for Cassidy

Some club professionals have a variation on that old "drive for show, putt for dough" cliche. Instead, they'll tell you that there are two things which won't survive: "Dogs who chase cars, and golfers who can't putt," all of which emphasises the importance of a good game with the blade.

Yvonne Cassidy's salvation came last month when her dad Jimmy, the club professional at Dundalk, handed her a new putter in an attempt to solve her putting woes. It worked wonders. And last Sunday the 28-year-old claimed the Waterford Crystal Irish Women's Amateur Open at Waterford Castle, beating Paula Gorman by one shot in the 54holes strokeplay championship.

"I knew my game was in good shape heading into the event," said Cassidy. "I've been hitting the ball very consistently and, when I got into the position to win, I just went for it. Obviously, I'm very happy. It's the biggest win of my career."

The first real indication Cassidy had that things had clicked into place around the greens was when she shot a new course record 69 in Dundalk, winning the club's PGA Tankard competition last month which, incidentally, entitles her to team up with her father in the national finals at Royal Tara later this season.

"I changed from a short Ping putter to a cheap one which my dad suggested I try," explained Yvonne. "It's a lot longer than my old one and I'm now standing totally upright when putting."

Cassidy, who formerly worked in the offices of the Irish Region PGA, describes herself as "a bit like Arthur Daly these days." She helps out her dad in the shop at Dundalk Golf Club, does some contract work with the PGA, and also assists the Louth Youth Federation, a voluntary organisation working with disadvantaged youth. And, also, she's managing to play a lot of competitive golf.

Next week, Cassidy will be on the Leinster team in the AIB Interprovincial Championships at Carlow, but her main aim is to regain her place on the Irish team for the Home Internationals at Lahinch in September. Cassidy last played for Ireland in 1995 and was first reserve last year. "I'm definitely playing my best ever golf, and hopefully I can get my cap back," she said.

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Munster hot-shot Mervyn Owens will, one suspects, be out to prove a point to the Irish selectors when the Interprovincial Boys' championship starts at Nenagh tomorrow.

The 17-year-old Mallow player and Munster boys' champion was omitted from the team for the Home Internationals at Royal North Devon next week. Indeed, no Munster player managed to break into the 11-strong Irish team which has five Ulster players, four from Leinster and two from Connacht.

However, just two (Robin Symes and Gary Wardlow) of the five Ulster players selected for international duty are actually competing in the interprovincials as the northern province attempt to retain their crown.