TAKING a break from recent trips to Augusta National, and competing in major women’s golf competitions, Louise Duncan paid a trip to her home club in West Kilbride last week.

Around 80 members of the village golf course were in attendance, as the club honoured one of their own’s remarkable achievements over the course of the last year.

For those unaware of her story, the last 12 months have been simply remarkable for Louise, as she made massive leaps in the women’s golf game.

It all started at the Women’s Amateur Championship in 2021, played here in Ayrshire at Kilmarnock Barassie. Louise stormed to victory, winning the final 26-hole match by an astonishing margin of 9&8.

From there she qualified for the AIG British open, one of five major championships in the women’s game.

The event was played at Carnoustie, and Louise would enter as an amateur, but more than held her own.

READ MORE: West Kilbride's Louise Duncan on 'surreal' Augusta experience

She secured a top 10 finish in the tournament, and resultant Smyth Salver - becoming the first Scot to hold that title since Catriona Matthew OBE in 2009.

Louise also received an invite to play at one of golf’s most famous courses, Augusta National, only a month ago, as she competed in the Augusta National Women’s Amateur Tournament.

The latest tournament she will be adding to the list is the Women’s US Open, another major championship. Louise will travel to North Carolina to compete in the event on June 2.

Though this event was all about West Kilbride Golf Club recognising her achievements, as she collected her special award from stalwart of the women’s game, Nancy Chisholm MBE.

Louise was overwhelmed by the turnout, and thankful to the club that means so much to her.

She thanked her family, who live only a minute’s walk from the course, and current coach Iain Darroch, who is still the club professional at West Kilbride.

Louise still reflects fondly on her time at West Kilbride, which started only 12 years ago as a junior member.

One battle she was keen to bring up was that which she had with her brother, Johnathon.

“I always enjoyed beating my brother,” she said.