Scotland’s Louise Duncan not only won the Women’s British Amateur in her first appearance, but she also beat Iceland’s Johanna Lea Ludviksdottir in the finals 9 and 8, the largest winning margin in championship history.
So how did Duncan fare in her major debut?
She’s one shot off the lead at the AIG Women’s British Open after a rock-solid 4-under 68 at Carnoustie. After going birdie-birdie-eagle on Nos. 12-14, Duncan played the challenging finishing stretch in even par.
“That was huge,” said Duncan of those last four pars. “I felt it was actually bigger than the wee stretch of birdies and eagle.
World No. 1 Nelly Korda holds a share of the lead with Sei Young Kim and Madelene Sagstrom. Duncan, 21, holds a share of fourth with 2021 U.S. Women’s Open champion Yuka Saso, 2018 Women’s British champ Georgia Hall and former top-ranked amateur Andrea Lee.
England amateur Annabell Fuller sits in a share of 22nd after carding a 71. Rose Zhang, the top-ranked amateur in the world who holds two USGA titles, opened with 72. Fuller was the first reserve out of the Monday qualifier at Panmure and got into the field when China’s Yu Liu withdrew.
Duncan became the first Scot in 24 years to win the British Amateur. The Stirling University student is majoring in sports studies and an R&A Foundation Scholar. Later this month she’ll compete in the Curtis Cup in Wales.
A lovely moment between @georgiahall96 and @louiseeduncan after their round today 🙌
Both players shot 68 and sit just a shot behind the lead!#WorldClass pic.twitter.com/W6SBifYhgg
— AIG Women’s Open (@AIGWomensOpen) August 19, 2021
Duncan played alongside Hall and said the major champ made her “dead comfortable” talking about “normal things.”
“Emotions were very nervous with a wee bit of excitement in there,” she said. “And then when it started to go really well the nerves came back, heart rate went up.
“But overall, really enjoyed it, and I’m already looking forward to tomorrow.”