Scotland wins Nations in Amsterdam

Swinging and dancing victory in the rain

Scotland has seized the very first Ladies Nations Invitational title in Amsterdam (20-22 May). Weather conditions probably felt like home for the Scottish lassies of Kylie Walker, Carly Booth and Laura Murray who showed their matchplay grit during the new three-day event at The International. The Ian Woosnam-designed course next to Schiphol Airport proved quite a challenge for the players from the Ladies European Tour as much of the event, which formed part of the inaugural ING Private Banking Golf Week, was thwarted by gusty winds and showers.

The trio from Scotland triumphed over England in the final by winning all 4 match points. Although it must be said that the match was so much tighter than the score-line suggests. The deciding battle was between two past Dutch Ladies Open Champions in the end. England’s Florentyna Parker, the 2010 Champion took Scotland’s Kylie Walker, the 2014 Champion, all the way.

All-square going down the final stretch, 26-year old Parker eventually succumbed to Walker in the singles on the 18th green. But not without a spirited fight and not before the teams had been welcomed onto the green with upbeat music and cheers from the die-hard golf fans in the rain. Such was the nature of this new concept in golf from the Dutch Golf Federation (NGF).

Booth and Murray beat Danielle Montgomery and Hannah Burke in the foursomes match by 2 up. Team Scotland were ecstatic and already relish the thought of defending their title should the event, which they describe as “a breath of fresh air”, get the greenlight in 2017. This year Scotland share a prize cheque of 18,000 euros and will see their names on the trophy as the first winners of the Ladies Nations Invitational. England, although naturally disappointed, managed a sporting smile just as they had done all week.

Wendy Hoad

FINAL RESULTS: 1. Scotland; 2. England; 3. Denmark; 4. The Netherlands; 5. Norway; 6. Germany; 7. France; 8. Belgium. For more scores and information: www.inggolfweek.nl

COMING SOON…ALSO CHECK OUT:

READ more about the Ladies Nations Invitational.

RADIO INTERVIEWS …listen to what the players had to say about the ING Golf Week and hear what the NGF’s plans are for the future.

IMAGES … photographic impression of the ING Golf Week.