16 years old Lauren Mackin who is now living on the island of Majorca with her parents, has won the Spanish Balearic Islands’ girls championship and the No 1 Under-18 ranking for 2007.
The Balearics consist of Majorca (20 golf courses), Menorca (one course), Ibiza (one course), Cabrera and Formentera. The Islands had close on 800,000 inhabitants at the last census.Lauren, picture left from St Andrews Links Trust website, who did not take up golf until four or five years ago, has improved her handicap from seven to four this year.After a good showing in the Ballearic Islands’ women’s championship – she lost out by one shot to experienced Spanish senior player Vicky Pertierra, Lauren came into her own in the girls’ championship last weekend. At Alcanada Golf Club, rated the most difficult of Majorca’s courses, Lauren won the title with rounds of 75 and 77 for 155. She won by five strokes from Luna Sorbon, a highly-rated Spanish girl and the favourite for this title.Last year Lauren played in the St Andrews girls’ open quaich (handicap) tournament and lost to Jessica Scott (Wanstead) by one hole in the final. Lauren was conceding nine strokes to her opponent.Lauren is a member at Son Muntaner golf course, a newer course than its immediate neighbour, the better-known Son Vida. Both are fairly close to Palma, the capital of Majorca.
