Four times champion Chrissie

Chrissie Byrne from St Bridget’s Pitch and Putt club has had quite a year on the playing circuit.



Her success started last November when she was selected by the governing body of pitch and putt in Ireland (PPUI) to play in the World Strokeplay in Montpelier in Southern France in April 09. The criteria based on selection was by the ranking system in which Chrissie was in 2nd position for the 2008 year. The top two ladies in Ireland were selected while the top six in the gents were also given the honour of playing in the prestigious event and representing both club and country.

A total of 85 players (including ladies and gents and representing 13 different countries) battled it out over 54 holes in blustery and rainy conditions over the April weekend on the Le Grande Motte course. Chrissie came away with the top ladies prize by 7 shots from the top Dutch lady Herma Kleinlutkenbeld while a Catalan took away the gents honour.

It was a great achievement to win the World accolade before the Irish chamionship season began. However it got better for Chrissie when she did the Leinster Double, winning both the Leinster Strokeplay and Matchplay within a few weeks of each other and being narrowly beaten in the National Strokeplay having led after 18 and 36 holes.

Chrissie also took away the Kildare Matchplay over her home course and ended the season on a very high note in September when she won the first Irish International Open in Meath. In what was a great year for the Kilcullen Lady we wish her all the best for a successful 2010 and keep the flag flying for her club and home town.

Chrissie is pictured here with her trophies for her World Strokeplay, Irish Open, Leinster Matchplay and Leinster Strokeplay wins. (Pic: Pat Foley/The Bridge.)