Erin Ahern returns to golf
Erin Ahern resumed golf after hanging up her clubs during her stay at the University of Illinois. This time, she is playing the U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship and enjoying the tournament.
Ahern used to be a talented golfer who played on the Red Devils, the girl’s golf team of the Hinsdale Central. In her last season with the Red Devils, she tied for the 14th place in the Class AA state wide meet.
Her performance with the Red Devils could have entitled her to a golf scholarship at the University of Illinois but she preferred an academic scholarship. Her decision was motivated by her insistence that her golf days were over.
However, when she returned home from the college, her love for the sport rekindled. Her younger sister, Colleen is the major force behind this resurgence. Erin had to accompany her sister to the driving range and the course brought old memories back.
However, she was still not willing to play in the prestigious U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship. It was her grandfather, Dennis Twohig who thought of the idea and got her enrolled in the tournament.
Erin was not prepared for this and after the match said, “I actually never thought I would play as much golf this summer as I am. My grandpa signed me up and I qualified”.
This was meant to be a family affair with friends and family cheering Erin on. On the first day, her grandfather caddied for her. The second day was her father’s turn and Mike, dutifully followed his daughter around the course.
Another interesting aspect of the story is Erin’s standby status in the event. Because of her recent golf status, she was placed in the alternate category where her only chance of playing in the event was in case of a withdrawal of a player on the main list.
Surprisingly that happened and Erin was on.
Sadly, Erin did not make it to the next stage but she has no regrets. She entered the event for the fun it and she played her best game. She missed the final playoff by a margin of three strokes.
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