HAMILTON’S teenage golfing sensation, Molly O’Brien has once again stood tall when the pressure was applied as she took out the Western District Golf Association Open Ladies Championships 27-hole event at Terang Golf Club.

After only taking up the sport due to being unable to play her regular sports of basketball and netball during the COVID-19 lockdown, O’Brien has had a meteoric rise through the ranks as he game develops from strength to strength.

“I took the game up when I was 14 0r 15-years-old after basketball and netball were shutdown during the first COVID lockdown,” O’Brien said.

Like all new players to the sport who look to play competitively, she was given a handicap of 27 when she first started playing competitions, but has worked her way down to a handicap of only six and is looking to get even better.

“I have been trying to get better at my game since I started as I want to be the best I can at whatever I choose to do,” O’Brien said.

The tournament in Terang was tough and I had to play at my best to hold off the competition but I managed to come away with a three shot win.”

O’Brien shot a score of 123 for the 27-hole event which was enough to claim the championship and enhance her reputation even further.

The future for the 17-year-old is looking bright too with an invitation to play a Junior tournament at the renowned Royal Melbourne course, which has staged events such as the President’s Cup (twice) and numerous Australian Opens.

“To play Royal Melbourne is a thrill and it’s something I’m quite looking forward too,” Obrien said.

“Of course, the thought of turning professional crosses everyone’s mind, but I have plenty of time to decide what I want to do, and I want to get my handicap down even further before I start thinking about it.”

For now though, O’Brien will look to contest at Royal Melbourne and also play the Hampden FNL netball season in the Under-17 grade with Hamilton Kangaroos FNC.