“I felt like it was a long time coming, to have a win like this,” said Foster.

“It means a lot to win the Irish Amateur. Being Irish, having won the Close a few years ago, it’s nice to win this one now as well.

“Portmarnock in a week for the British Am, that is exciting and I will carry a bit of confidence into that.”

Foster came into the final round with a two-shot lead ahead of the improving Annabel Wilson (Castlerock), who carded the low round on Sunday, with a 69 bringing her right into contention in second place.

Last year’s runner-up, Beth Coulter (Kirkistown Castle) applied the early pressure with six birdies and an eagle. Elsewhere, the reigning two-time champion Lorna McClymont (Milngavie) secured the lowest round of the day with a brilliant 68 moving her up to T4 alongside Kate Lanigan (Hermitage).

However, the winner always looked like coming from the last group of Foster, Wilson and Emma Fleming (Elm Park) with that trio having their own battle out on course.

It was the reigning Bridgestone Order of Merit champion who birdied four of her opening five holes to charge into a share of the lead. The Elm Park pair, Foster and Fleming, made the turn tied at the top of the standings at 9-under while Wilson trailed behind on 6-under.

But Fleming struggled on the back nine and she lost momentum following her bogey on 13, Wilson fired two late birdies but she could only get to 9-under with Foster sealing a comprehensive four-stroke win on 12-under.

“I am really happy with how I played all week and the mental game was really strong today, when both of the girls, Emma and Annabel, were playing really solid on the front nine. It was definitely a test,” said Foster.

“I got off to an okay start but Emma got off to such a hot start and then Annabel was playing really solid as well.

“It was just really tight in the middle there and then I took advantage of some of the Par 5s on the back and that was on the only difference really.”

- Article by CAOMH BREEN ALLEN for Golf Ireland