Donegan Dazzles in NSW Open Debut, Takes Two-Stroke Lead

Ireland’s Áine Donegan is at the top of the leaderboard at the halfway point of the Ford Women’s NSW Open near Sydney, after shooting a sizzling second-round 63 to move to 11-under-par.

Rookie Makes Immediate Impact

The 23-year-old Ennis native is making a serious impact in her professional debut on the Ladies European Tour. After carding a three-under 68 in her opening round, Donegan exploded at Wollongong links to surge up the field, flourishing in the challenging conditions.

She picked up seven birdies and an eagle in a superb eight-under-par round of 63, leaving her two clear of Australian Sarah Kemp in second place.

Irish Contender in the Mix

Dubliner Anna Foster also had a strong day, a four-under 67 lifting her to three-under overall.

“The weather felt a bit more like home, which I knew would come to my advantage a little bit,” Donegan said afterwards. Irish Times

Donegan added, I knew some people would struggle in the wind and the rain. I knew that if I just kind of kept the ball in front of me, especially off the tee on this course, you can kind of attack pins and stuff like that.

“It was obviously a dream day. I’m a little bit disappointed to finish my second last hole with a bogey, but looking forward to the weekend and yeah, delighted with the start.” Irish Times

Path to the LET

Donegan secured her Ladies European Tour card for 2026 last December after coming through Lalla Aicha Q-school in Morocco.

Looking Ahead

The cut will be made after the second round is completed Saturday, due to weather disruptions.

Donegan’s impressive start signals a promising future for the young Irish golfer on the Ladies European Tour. Fans will be watching closely to see if she can maintain her momentum and secure a victory this weekend.