MEHAFFEY ENJOYING BEING BACK AT HOME FOR SPECIAL WEEK IN NORTHERN IRELAND

It is a third consecutive appearance for Olivia Mehaffey at the ISPS HANDA World Invitational Presented by AVIV Clinics.

The Banbridge native made her LPGA debut at this event in 2021 when she finished in a tie for 17^th place, and she was also here in 2022 as a member of the LET.

This is a special event for Mehaffey, as she can stay at home and have friends and family come out to watch her play.

While it also holds good memories as it was the last event her dad was able to watch her, but the Northern Irishwoman admits she struggled here in 2022.

“It’s really nice to come here for me because I was in such a bad place last year, and I come here this year and I just feel like a totally different person,” said Mehaffey. “To be out there and smiling and really, really enjoying it. It shows the hard work that I put in and what a better place.

“This event will always be special for me. This is the last event my dad watched me play. He was in like a little mobility thing when he was going around, and he got to watch me play all four rounds.

“I had a good finish the first year I played, so I think if anything, it probably gives me good memories. I try to look at that as a great thing and I enjoyed it so much. It’s really fun.

“It’s amazing. Playing in front of your family and friends, normally it’s great if you have one or two family coming to an event. But to be here this week, we are trying to take every player’s tickets because I know I’m going to have a lot of people here, so it’s a really nice feeling.”

The ISPS HANDA World Invitational sees two separate 72-hole stroke play tournaments for men and women with two separate prize funds of USD $1,500,000.

Over the first two rounds, the players will face two different tests as they tee it up on the parklands course at Galgorm and on the Links Golf at Castlerock Golf Club.

But Mehaffey is looking forward to playing two completely different styles of golf course this week.

She explained: “It’s fun to have the test of parkland and links. We don’t get that too often. I think it’s going to be a really good test.

“It’s going to be quite windy, so that will definitely be a very fun element. Castlerock have done a great job. The course is in great shape and likewise, Galgorm is, so I think it’s going to be a great week. All the players are really enjoying the courses.”