The 2016 Scottish Women’s Close Amateur Championship took place this week at West Kilbride Golf Club. Gabrielle, fresh off shooting -6 on the Old Course in the last round of the St Rule Trophy made a strong start to the week qualifying in T8th position after 2 rounds of strokeplay. Next came the matchplay stages, and Gabrielle faced Turnhouse’s Alison Mcbride in the first round. After a tight game, Gabrielle came out on top, winning by 1 hole. In the last 16, Gabrielle knocked out former Curtis Cup player Eilidh Briggs having not made a bogey to win 4&3. Friday morning’s quarter final saw Gabrielle overcome the top seed Jessica Meek by 2 holes and then go on to beat Tara McTaggart 2&1 in the semi-final.

In the final, Gabrielle faced Ailsa Summers from Carnoustie, a 4th year student at the University of St Andrews, making it a all St Andrews contest.  The early advantage went to Ailsa, who won the 2nd and 3rd and was 2 up at the turn. However, Gabrielle fought hard, winning the 11th and 12th to go back to all square. The game was all square going down the 16th, when Summer’s hit her long approach shot close and Gabrielle was unable to match her, losing the hole. Despite 2 solid shots up the par 5 17th, Gabrielle found herself in trouble at the greenside bunker, and Ailsa’s birdie saw her clinch the title. Ailsa became the 102nd Scottish Amateur Champion and thanked those at Carnoustie for all of their support in her speech.