Hannah Screen burned the midnight oil sitting a Spanish exam just hours before she passed the stern test posed by the second round of the English Women’s Amateur Championship.
The University of Oklahoma student made it comfortably through the 36-hole stroke play qualifying to enter the match play section of the championship as second seed.
Following a three under par round of 70 at Headingley Golf Club on Tuesday, Screen posted a one under par score of 70 at Moortown Golf Club – the two Yorkshire venues jointly sharing the championship action over the first two days.
Playing partner and England colleague Annabell Fuller retained her position as leader from round one.
Fuller followed a five under par round of 68 at Headingley with a one under par score of 70 at Moortown Golf Club for a total of 138 (-6).
Screen was delighted to progress on a total of -4 especially given that her preparations for a 7am tee time on Wednesday were a little unusual with less than four hours sleep.
“I’m currently in summer classes for university to get a little bit ahead,” explained Screen.
“I had an exam at 11pm last night that wasn’t changeable.
“I got through it and as much sleep as I possibly could and then just came out here and tried my best.
“My game is pretty solid right now and I got the putter going which really helped.
“I like the match play element now – it’s great because you’re both on even ground and can be aggressive.”
Fuller’s good form continued as she enjoyed a relatively stress-free round featuring two birdies and just one bogey to take the spot as top seed.
Having helped England win gold at the European Team Championships, Fuller’s match play instincts will now stand her in good stead for the challenge ahead.
The Surrey golfer said: “I kind of like having to do things and being aggressive – the ‘no fear’ aspect. If you make one mistake it’s only one hole and you have plenty more.
“You can go for a strong start and if it goes well then the putts drop a lot.
“The idea of the pressure – some people break and some play better. Fortunately, I’m one of the people that plays better and for me I know that when the pressure comes, I hole a few more putts with extra care and concentration.”
Fuller’s parents are both here this week to cheer her on. Dad Ashley is rooting from the sidelines while mum Oshi is on the bag.
“It’s nice to have both of them here – especially because for a whole year they were unable to watch me play golf,” added Fuller.
“My mum caddied the last few days and it was nice to chat with her on the course.
“She keeps me calm and happy – just chit-chat. I play so much by myself that I now play my own game but it’s nice to have her on the bag.”
It proved to be a strong day for the England squad members harbouring hopes of winning the trophy which was first competed for in 1953.
Among the 32 through to the match play are Gloucestershire’s Caley McGinty, Mimi Rhodes from Somerset and Surrey’s Lottie Woad.
Yorkshire’s Charlotte Heath was another member of England’s Euro conquering squad and she cruised into the match play with rounds of 68 (Moortown) and 72 (Headingley) to join Screen on four under par.
Most players this week have found the scoring trickier at Moortown than Headingley.
However, Heath’s three under par round on Tuesday was the best score of all 84 women who teed it up this week at Moortown.
With all match play games taking place at Moortown, the golfer from Huddersfield can take heart from that fact. A comparatively disappointing day at Headingley can be put to one side.
“If I don’t play like I did today, I can do well!” said Heath with a laugh after a more than respectable one-under par round.
“I haven’t had any explosive rounds – just around par or under. As long as I hole some more putts then I guess I’ll be ok.”