JOHNSON HOPEFUL FOR NORTHERN IRELAND LADIES OPEN

Australia’s Nikki Garrett

Australia’s Nikki Garrett, who won back-to-back Ladies European Tour titles earlier this month, has set her sights on securing a third title before she flies home to Australia in three weeks time. This week she lies in third place on the New Star Money List and is the second highest ranked player in the tournament.

Garrett spent some time watching the polo at Ascot on a two day break in the UK after the BMW Ladies Italian Open and she revealed a new incentive to play well. “I have had a bet with my caddy Tim and he is going to do something really stupid if I win again so that has given me a bit more motivation,” she said.

Also making an appearance on the Ladies European Tour for the first time are the remarkable 12-year-old Maguire twins from Cavan. Lisa and Leona Maguire have both received invitations to play in the event and the identical twins are the youngest players ever to compete in a LET tournament.

Lisa Maguire reached the semi finals in last week’s Irish Amateur Close Championship but was eventually beaten by Irish International Marion Riordan in the semi-final. The twins were chosen to bring the Ryder Cup Trophy to the stage during the presentation ceremony after Europe’s victory at the K Club in September.

In addition to the Maguire twins, Ireland will be strongly represented by Australian born Rebecca Coakley, who finished in a share of seventh place last week in Italy, as well as by Tour rookies Claire Coughlan and Martina Gillen.