Chrissie Sheedy - WPPT Master winner at one of her favourite courses
Eleven years ago, Chrissie Sheedy and John Walsh won World Strokeplay championship titles on the same day in scorching hot temperatures at Tambre, Galicia. In much cooler conditions (albeit mild for the time of the year in Ireland), Chrissie and John both sparkled in winning 2024 World Pitch and Putt Tour events on the same day at McDonagh. fippa.org was delighted to get their thoughts on their respective victories immediately after they holed the winning putts. Here are Chrissie's reflections.
Chrissie was in upbeat mood as she reviewed her three stroke victory over Glenda Hoey in the 2024 Ireland Ladies Master. “It was a great finish to the season on a course local to me. I had great game with Glenda and I’m really happy with that win.”
Her win at McDonagh came just a week after she helped Leinster to success in the the Interprovincial Challenge v. Munster at Lakeside. “That was absolutely brilliant," beamed Chrissie. "It was all for a great cause (mental health charity, Jigsaw) but we’re all competitive ladies who all wanted to win and it was a fantastic day for Leinster. It was a very sporting game, a pleasurable game but we were ecstatic with our win."
The experienced champion had a pretty basic plan for Sunday at McDonagh after holding a two stroke overnight advantage. “I was trying to stay ahead and keep my lead over Glenda.” That she did, and despite a three putt bogey on the 54th green, posted an eight under par aggregate to claim the coveted Pilar Montero trophy..
That gave Chrissie a three stroke winning margin over her Dublin rival, a player she knows well. “We have never played Matchplay against each other but we have played Inter-County together on several occasions.” Glenda also chased Chrissie home in the 2022 Irish Ladies Strokeplay championship at Fermoy, although the pair did not play together on that occasion.
Where does WPPT Ireland Master rank among her myriad achievements? “It’s a new one and I’m absolutely delighted to be able to play in it this year. I’m delighted to be able to add it to my CV.”
The famous McDonagh course on the Curragh of Kildare, situate not far from Dublin ranks high on Chrissie's list of pet venues. "I always enjoy McDonagh. It’s a fabulous pitching course. Paddy Slattery has left a tremendous legacy here. It’s a super course where I won my first Inter-County, so great memories here."
"I played for Ireland at McDonagh in the European Challenge when (her sister) Marian was alongside me - a tremendous win as well." That was a ladies event, held parallel to the 2003 European Team championship.
“I think I won a Leinster Strokeplay here as well.” She did – back in 2017. "It’s always enjoyable to play," said Chrissie of a course that will host the 2025 All Ireland Ladies Strokeplay championship.
Was the new champion irked by missing a short putt for par on 18 to record her only bogey of the day? “I can’t say I was annoyed. Standing over it, I felt it was in a hole and I just didn’t commit to it.”
What’s next in Pitch and Putt for Chrissie Sheedy? “It will be a break for the winter! St. Patrick’s Scratch Cup (Enniscorthy) is the first game back every season. That’s usually on St. Patrick’s weekend. That’s generally what we look forward to come February. That will be my return to the game.”