Irina all set to go for British Open qualifiers

Brar had sent in her entry for the Open three months back after the Ladies Asian Golf Tour LAGT had found sponsors for her. However, she suffered a setback recently when the said sponsors backed out.

But her campaign might be back on track after the intervention of Champika Sayal, secretary general, Women8217;s Golf Association of India WGAI.

Although Irina chose to tread the safer path and refused to comment till she had put her signature on paper, Sayal confirmed to The Indian Express that the Chandigarh golfer was indeed leaving to take part in the Open pre-qualifying stage to be held on July 16 at the Berkshire Golf Club.

8220;Irina is leaving for the British Open qualifying in early July,8221; Sayal said.

This 18-hole stage will be followed by the final qualifying stage, to be held at the New Course at St Andrews on July 30. The number of qualifying places on offer will be determined after the exempt players are finalised by the championship committee. The Open is from August 2-5.

Irina, who turned professional after the Indian women8217;s pro tour was launched last October, won the order of merit by a big margin. Before turning pro, she had been rated as the country8217;s top amateur from 1999-2002 and then from 2004-06, winning the All-India title five times.

Her first taste of international pro competition came on the LAGT this season. She has played 4 events on the Asian tour and is currently placed 23rd.