BREANNE LOUCKS is angry after missing qualification for tomorrow’s British Women’s Open Championship by one stroke.
The Wrexham-based player, pictured above, was accused of slow play by an official during her round at Hillside which neighbours the championship venue of Royal Birkdale.
She said: “I’m really gutted about missing the British Open because it’s a major tournament and a brilliant event.
“I started my round really well and my routine and ball-hitting was going well for the first 11 holes, but then I was surprised when the referee came up to the group on the 12th tee and accused me of slow play.
“The situation started to affect my game and my routine because I started to hit loose shots and I became quite angry.
“I understand and respect the slow play rules, but I’m not a slow player and I was really angry to be accused of slow play.”
Loucks added: “I am absolutely gutted about missing out by one stroke because I feel my score could have been three better if I had not been accused of slow play by the referee. I’m really disappointed.
“I was enjoying the test at Hillside and everything the course was throwing at me because I was playing in torrential rain and hitting the ball well until the incident on
the 12th tee.”
Loucks is now hoping that she can refocus and bounce back when she competes in next week’s Irish Open, before preparing for the Wales Championship at Conwy
the following week.
She said: “I’m planning to work hard for the rest of this week in the gym to get myself focused for the Irish Open next week.
“I’ve experienced a tough seven or eight weeks, but I’m now determined to get back on track.
“I’m only 22 years old and things can go against you sometimes, but I’m hoping what happened at Hillside can make me stronger and more focused.”