Date published: 31.10.2023
Shropshire golf star Isla McDonald-O'Brien has double cause for celebration.
The talented teenager added to her silverware haul with an impressive six-shot victory in the Fairhaven Trophy, before making her senior England debut.
The three-day event at Lytham's Fairhaven Golf Club saw her head into the final round one shot behind Ireland's Caitlin Shippam.
But the Shrewsbury Golf Club ace carded an impressive five under in her final round to secure victory, finishing the tournament with a three under par score of 297.
McDonald-O'Brien said: "It was great to get the win, especially after coming second last year.
"That really drove me on to a great final round of five under par to secure the win by six shots."
McDonald-O'Brien is in good company on the honours board alongside previous winners Charlie Hull, Georgia Hall and Brontë Law.
The Fairhaven Trophy winner then joined fellow silverware winners Frank Kennedy and Kris Kim, as part of a three-player team which saw England also win in the Nations Cup.
John Richards, a PGA Professional at Shrewsbury Golf Club, has observed and mentored the young star since 2021 and feels this is just the start of a blossoming career.
"I've watched Isla for two years and her development has been nothing short of spectacular.
"How she strikes a ball is of a standard beyond her years and she's now starting to find victories consistently — it's no wonder her country has come calling."
And more international recognition followed as she took to the fairways for the England national women's team, her first appearance at senior level after previously competing for the juniors.
The Moreton Hall student is currently representing her country against Spain in the biennial international challenge at Worplesdon Golf.
McDonald-O'Brien is taking part in the three-day event, teaming up with Amelia Wan, Sophia Fullbrook and Ellise Rymer to form the women's half of Team England.
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