Ireland’s Aoife Kelly produced one of her proudest displays of tournament golf to claim her maiden World Amateur Golf Ranked win on the GEM International Amateur Golf Tour at Arabian Ranches Golf Club.

Having only picked up the game of golf during the summer of 2020, the Dubai resident started slowly in the 54-hole tournament.

Opening her first round with a six over par 78, put her in a tie for 10th spot, as Denmark’s Viktor Larsson led the way after a two-under par 70.

With work to do, the primary school teacher turned the tables for the second round, producing a two-under-par 70 to place her right back in the mix for the final day and just one shot off the lead.

But still with 18 holes remaining of the mixed-gender event, Aoife didn’t let the pressure get the better of her as she carded a level par 72 to win the WAGR event by seven shots.

The victory for Aoife was fittingly dedicated to her late Aunt.

“This was a big one – dedicated to my late aunt Hilary Keely who I know would be so proud of me right now and was clearly with me this weekend to come back from a 5-shot lead.”

Tournament Results (Top 10):
1st – Aoife Kelly – 78, 70, 72 = 220 (+4)
2nd – Adam Campbell – 73, 75, 79 = 227 (+11)
3rd – Paul Rezko – 74, 75, 80 = 229 (+13)
4th – Nikhil Bhatia – 80, 84, 77 = 231 (+15)
4th – Turki Alhussain – 76, 77, 78 = 231 (+15)
4th – Victor Larsson – 70, 77, 84 = 231 (+15)
7th – Gustav Larsson – 76, 73, 84 = 233 (+17)
8th – Ali Albabtain – 81, 73, 80 = 234 (+18)
9th – Branko Stanik – 84, 83, 79 = 246 (+20)
9th – Abdulrahman Almansour – 77, 84, 85 = 246 (+20)

Image: GEM