Page 72 - The Moretonian 2025
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Un-fore-gettable Experiences
Reflections Since
Leaving Moreton Hall
What a whirlwind it’s been since I left Moreton Hall. Life there was always
busy and full of opportunity, and I’m so grateful for how it prepared me for
everything that’s come since.
Shortly after leaving, I crossed the pond to the R&A Women’s Amateur Championship, a
begin a new chapter at Arizona State University. performance that also marked my live debut on
It’s been an incredible experience—both Sky Sports—an experience both nerve-wracking
academically and athletically. I’ve had the and exhilarating!
chance to chase my goals, grow as a student, and
test myself against some of the best collegiate That result earned me a place in Final Qualifying
golfers in the U.S. for the Women’s Open later this July, and I can’t
wait to take on that incredible challenge. On
At the end of my first year, I was honoured to be top of that, I was honoured to represent Great
named an All-American Scholar for my academic Britain & Ireland in the Vagliano Trophy in the
achievements, alongside success on the golf Netherlands, and to play for England in both the
course. My season included three top-three European Team Championships in Paris and the
finishes, three additional top-ten finishes, and I European Stroke Play Championship in Germany
was proud to contribute to our team’s victory in later on this month.
the Big 12 Conference. One of the highlights was
receiving the Freshman of the Year award at the Looking back, it’s hard to believe how much has
prestigious PNG/ASU Tournament—a moment I’ll happened in just a year. From Moreton Hall to
never forget. international competition, I’ve grown, learned,
and embraced every challenge. I’m proud of what
Returning home for the summer didn’t mean I’ve achieved—but more than that, I’m excited for
slowing down. I was thrilled to be the only what lies ahead.
English woman to reach the quarter-finals at
Isla McDonald-O’Brien
OM 2024
72 The Moretonian 2025
