Golfer Sara Byrne set for busy summer on the golfing front

DOUGLAS golfer Sara Byrne is back in Cork, well temporarily at least as she moves on from finishing her four years on a golf scholarship in the US. 

The two-time Irish champion has a busy summer ahead, with plans to turn professional in September.

Byrne spent the last four years in University of Miami, and came away with an accountancy and finance degree as well as much improved golf game. 

The 22 year old was a double winner in NCAA Division 1 events in the past year, in addition to recording several top five and top ten finishes.

“The best four years of my life,” is how the reigning Irish Close champion described her time in Miami. 

“I went over there with a goal to get better and come out of college ready to turn pro and that’s exactly what happened. 

“Along the way I managed to make the best friends and have the best memories, have a great life outside of golf.”

Byrne’s reason for selecting Miami – she had over a dozen division one offers – was to improve her golf, and alongside the academic success, she can also see a big improvement in all aspects of her game.

“I was developing my technical work, my swing work and putting, but the area I improved most was my mental side. 

“My coach for the last two years really ingrained a different sort of mentality and outlook, and it’s after helping everything mesh together and come together on the course and that’s why I’m seeing the results.”

Miami were glowing in their praise of Byrne who smashed several records in her four years as a Hurricane. 

She was named on the All-ACC team this year, broke scoring records, won the ACC golfer of the month twice, and was named best female student in the University.

While Sara was busy studying for finals and winning tournaments, her dad Derek was busy piecing together what the summer would look like for Sara and how it would be funded. 

A scratch golfer himself, Derek put together a fundraising day in Douglas Golf Club as well as several commercial deals that will help fund Sara’s through the summer and beyond as she prepares to turn pro.

Sara was delighted with the fundraising day, which was supported by many Douglas members. 

In addition to her sponsors logos, Sara decided to put the Douglas logo on her sleeve for the 2024 season as a demonstration of the place Douglas holds in her golfing story. 

“I grew up here, it’s where my golfing journey started so it’s funny how it’s a full circle moment as I look to start my pro life. It’s amazing to know I have the support from all the members. 

“I’ve always been a proud Douglas member and I’m very happy to be wearing the Douglas logo on my sleeve for the year ahead.”

The work that Derek and Sara put in over the past few months means that she has an impressive list of sponsors. 

New golf logistics company Forecaddie are her main sponsor and she also has support from Dromoland Castle, Lexus and Cork based CDGA Consultants.

Now that the commercial work is complete, Sara can focus on a busy summer of golf. 

“The main priorities are the Curtis Cup and getting a main tour card whether it’s LET or LPGA, and my schedule is based around that. 

“My summer schedule is playing LET Access to get a status for the rest of the year once I turn professional. The rest is finishing out my amateur time, making sure I get on the Curtis Cup team.”

Sara has several high-profile amateur events coming up. 

The Women’s Amateur takes place in Portmarnock in two weeks time, and after that there’s the Palmer Cup in Lahinch where Sara will become the first Cork golfer to play in the event. 

Then after that there’s the European teams and the Home Internationals, and she’s always enjoyed representing her country.

“Growing up I have such great memories and friends from all the teams. That’s what helped me get to Miami, I always loved those weeks, they were so much fun. So I’m going to take it all in and enjoy the experience.”

Sara’s involvement with the teams will finish at the end of the summer but Golf Ireland will continue to support her with their new approach to helping golfers who turn professional with help around practice and coaching facilities and tournament invites, helping new tour pros to navigate the transition to the paid ranks.