Power is out to prove a point

EILEEN ROSE POWER will, perhaps, be out to prove a point to herself as much as to the Curtis Cup selectors when the Lancome Irish Ladies Close Championship starts with 36 holes stroke play qualifying at Tramore Golf Club today.

Power, a native of Skibbereen, failed to achieve her season's objective of making the British and Irish team which defends the Curtis Cup against the United States in Killarney next month, having to settle for a place as first reserve when the team was announced two weeks ago.

Despite relatively poor form this season, Power, now playing out of Kilkenny, will still start as favourite to retain her crown. Not alone is she a determined customer (as she proved in last year's final win over Sheena O'Brien Kenney), but being married to local hero Eddie ER is as close to an adopted daughter as the Tramore club have this week and will, undoubtedly, have plenty of support.

Yet, Power, more than anyone, will have taken note of the return to form of another former Curtis Cup player, Lillian Behan. The Curragh player has eased back into the amateur fold this season after an foray into the professional ranks and Behan showed her current well being when winning the Curragh Scratch Cup last Saturday, where she had four shots to spare over Irish international Denise McCarthy.

Four competitors Paula Gorman, Liz Carroll, Vari McGreevy and Therese O'Reilly were forced to withdraw from the field yesterday, forcing some alterations in the time sheet. And Foxrock's Ann Hayden will now have the honour of partnering big hitting Behan, a rather imposing prospect for the Dubliner.

Power will certainly have plenty of players eager to take the title away from her hands, with Curtis Cup squad member Hazel Kavanagh, the irrepressible Mary McKenna, Susanne Fanagan, a sister of Walker Cup star Jody Eava Higgins, Ada O'Sullivan, Yvonne Cassidy, Behan, O'Brien Kenney and McCarthy among those expected to mount strong challenges.

Fanagan, indeed, captured the Leinster Ladies title recently and, given her liking for match play golf, could emerge as one of Power's strongest rivals.

However, the time may even be opportune for one of the "young guns" to make a mark and Warrenpoint's Alison Coffey, who made her international debut last year, could well be one of those to make an impact.

"A lot of the par fives are within reach in two shots," said Coffey, "but I think the winner will be someone with good iron play and a really good short game. The course is in great condition, although the rough is not as punishing as might be expected. It is set up for a really good championship."

The Leitrim Cup, held by McKenna, will be awarded to the leading stroke play qualifiers.