‘I have goals in my head as
to what I want to achieve’
Over the past number of years members of Roscommon Golf Club have become used to a familiar sight on the practice ground, the putting green and on the course as Olivia Costello pursues her dream. Already, the Roscommon Town girl is one of the finest young female golfers not only in Ireland, but in Europe.
Still only 16 years of age, her achievements to date are too numerous to mention here and she is looking to 2025 to further enhance her standing as one of the elite players in the sport.
Already a semi-finalist in two Irish Ladies Senior Close Championships and a four-shot winner of the Scottish Open Girls Championship in 2023, Olivia has represented Ireland at underage level many times. She has also played in the last two Irish Opens, at Dromoland and Carton House.
Probably her greatest achievement at representative level came in 2024 when Olivia helped the Great Britain and Ireland team to win the Junior Vagliano Trophy against Continental Europe for the first time in the event’s history (at the West Lancashire Golf Club).
Olivia is now preparing for the 2025 season and looking forward to another year of progress. Her dedication and commitment is astonishing. It was only when I sat down with Olivia to chat about her routine that I fully realised the sacrifices that this remarkably driven young woman is making in a bid to realise her sporting dreams. We started by looking back at the year of 2024.
“The early part of the year was rocky enough to be honest. I took a lot out of that poor start though and the season turned around for me in the middle of the year. I had a good final round at the Scottish Girls Championship. I was in contention for the British U-16 Championship and I just missed out on that. I finished third. I was in contention for the Irish Girls at Belvoir Park too so overall it wasn’t a bad year at all”.
Olivia says that the most disappointing part of 2024 was the Irish Women’s Close (which was played in Roscommon). She swept into the semi-finals where after a great start, she lost out to the eventual winner, Canice Screene.
“That (the Close) was the most disappointing thing in 2024. It would have been great to have won that for the members here because the support I got was phenomenal. But I try to take the positives out of these disappointments. I was winning against Canice in that (semi-final) match but the weather turned and it seemed to affect me. But on the positive side if that defeat did not happen I might not have played as well in the Junior Vagliano Cup as I did”.
So while the Close was a disappointment, the Junior Vagliano was the high point of the year.
“Oh yeah, that was incredible. It was unreal to be part of the first Britain and Ireland team to ever win the competition and a lot of those girls went on to win the Junior Solheim Cup too. It was also brilliant that Deirdre Walsh (formerly Deirdre Mahon, from Roscommon) was the captain of the team. It was very special.
“I also had a good run in the Irish Women’s Open (her second year competing) and missed the cut by only one shot. Overall I feel that my game has progressed in 2024 and I am looking forward to 2025 now”.
Olivia has recently teamed up with Callaway who will supply her with clubs and other equipment (including golf balls) going forward. I asked her for her view on this development…
“That’s working out great. They contacted us a few months ago and I got the new equipment just a few weeks ago and I am working with my coaches to get the best out of that new stuff. It’s working out well so far”. (Olivia’s coaches are Shane O’Grady who is her swing coach and Timmy Graham who looks after strength and conditioning).
So what aspect of the game is she working on at the moment?
“Well it’s a bit of everything really. The mental end of the game is probably the biggest thing, but we have done a lot of work on my approach play recently. The key is that I have as many birdie opportunities as possible. We have good back-up from Golf Ireland too in terms of getting to tournaments, etc so there are no complaints there.
“I just want to also mention the fantastic support I have received from the members of Roscommon Golf Club. It’s been fantastic. I also have a local businessman who has been a huge help to me in terms of financial support and I thank everyone who has helped me so far. It’s so much appreciated”.
Everyone can see the dedication that Olivia has for the game but it is only when she tells me of a typical week for her that the amount of hard work and the sacrifices she is making becomes apparent.
“Every morning I get up at 6 am. Three days a week I go to the gym for a workout, and the other four days I go to Kiltoom to the driving range there and use the Trackman equipment that they have there. Three times a week I go for range work with all my clubs and I practice pitching, etc a few times a week too. I practice my putting two hours every day and then I play a few holes until it gets dark.
“I’m in TY this year with regard to school so I’m trying to make the most of it. I know that there are a lot of sacrifices involved and my family are making huge sacrifices too. It’s definitely not a normal life we are living but the goal is that in a few years’ time it will all be worth it”.
It seems like a massive commitment and physical undertaking for a 16-year-old.
“I love it to be honest. I have goals in my head as to what I want to achieve. There are European and Irish teams to qualify for and all the other little goals I have set for myself for this year. That keeps me going”.
So in terms of 2025 what’s coming up over the next few weeks?
“I am off to Spain this coming weekend to play in the Andalucia Cup and a lot of the early part of the year is in Spain and Portugal before the season gets underway properly here”.
Even though she was asked to join the Irish Women’s Senior team panel this year Olivia says she would prefer to remain in the underage ranks for at least another year.
“I am definitely going to stay in the underage ranks this year. I think that I can progress better by staying at my own age group and of course I can compete in the various senior women’s competitions as the year goes on”.
So what’s the ambition for 2025?
“I just want to improve my game but a big goal is to play in the Junior Ryder Cup which will be played in New York in September. I would love to represent Europe in that. It would be a great achievement to tee it up in that competition”.
Olivia is now a role model for young girls in terms of what can be achieved. What’s her advice to girls thinking of taking up golf?
“Just go out and enjoy it. There are plenty of new young people taking up the game. When I started there were very few young girls to play with so I would say bring your friends out and enjoy the game. It’s a great game to play for friendship and socially, and it’s two to four hours out in the fresh air so give it a go and have fun”.
