Mary McIlroy, 70, said: “I was very honoured to be part of the England team. The R&A told us we were all winners, and we felt like it! It was a wonderful prize to stay in this lovely hotel and to get to know golfers from all over the world. We feel like family now. Everyone has been so hospitable and welcoming. Playing golf on the Royal Portrush course was a humbling experience for me but I wouldn’t have missed it.”
Pamela Allen said: “I was really surprised to get the opportunity to take part in the 9-Hole Challenge Final and it was a fantastic experience. Exactly one year ago, I won the Lady President’s Day competition for 9 holes at Alnmouth Golf Club with 25 Stableford points and this was the result that gave me the opportunity to take part in The R&A Challenge. Actually playing in the final at Royal Portrush was a personal achievement as it was the first time this year that I have played golf without using a buggy, following an injury in March. I was really impressed with the detail of the organisation of the final by The R&A, considering they were dealing with finalists from 12 different countries. We were really well taken care of and it was a thoroughly enjoyable experience.”