Tramore golfer Anna Dawson has opened the defence of her AIG Irish Women’s Close championship with an excellent round of one over par 75 to lie one shot off the pace at Enniscrone Golf Club.

In tough, blustery conditions, no golfer broke par, with four players in the clubhouse on one over par including Irish International Katie Poots of Knock and Emma O Driscoll of Ballybunion.

Dawson is in a group of four players who are on two over, with the top 16 after tomorrow’s second round of strokeplay progressing to the championship matchplay stages.

The next best 16 players will progress to the Plate competition.

Lauren Bradfield of Waterford Castle is the only other local competitor in the event but needs a huge round tomorrow if she is to progress. She is currently in 61st place following a round of 87, which is currently five shots outside the top 32.