Lottie Woad (Royal and Ancient Photo)

England’s Woad, 20, was the leading stroke play qualifier over the renowned links near Dublin but found herself two down early on against Singapore’s Aloysa Margiela Atienza in the first match play stage.

Woad, the No. 2 ranked player in the Golfweek/AmateurGolf.com World Rankings, dug deep and battled back to all square going into the final three holes. After her opponent three-putted the 17th, Woad’s impressive approach to the 18th sealed a two-hole win.

Woad said, “It was a lot more stressful than I probably would have liked. I made a few mistakes but hit some good shots towards the end that closed it out nicely.

“I have heard that phrase before (about the top stroke play qualifier often losing in the match play first round) but I knew I was playing well. I didn't play quite as well today and yeah, there was definitely some pressure there. I just kind of got through it in the end.”

Top-class field

Having won the Augusta National Women’s Amateur in April, Woad is bidding to continue an impressive year but has a number of challengers from a world class field at Portmarnock.

Cheered on by home support on a glorious day, Byrne – who finished as the leading Irish qualifier – made a superb up-and-down at the 18th to take her last-64 meeting with Sweden’s Moa Svedenskiold down the 19th.

There Byrne, 23, prevailed under the watchful eye of Catriona Matthew, the Great Britain and Ireland Curtis Cup Captain for the contest at Sunningdale later this year. It was the only time Byrne was ahead in the tie.

“I was down early, two down through three,” stated Byrne. “They were stupid mistakes I haven't made all week.

“But all I did was stay so patient. That's all I could do. I was hitting really good shots and the ball was just not dropping. Like the first putt I holed it was literally the up-and-down on 18. It was then a sigh of relief knowing I won at the 19th.

“The support this week, from the first round of stroke play qualifying, has been really great. I’ve had fans out watching me and the support has been absolutely incredible.

"They have been egging me on," Woad added. "I want to do it for myself and I want to do it for them and keep the entertainment going.”