Chloe Williams took a couple of weeks off from playing competitive golf on the Ladies European Tour (LET) in June to take part in a different challenge.
After the Dutch Ladies Open, the Welshwoman headed to Switzerland and to the Matterhorn in the Alps for a charity trek.
Joined by a group of women including her mum and partner, Williams spent the week hiking for between six to nine hours a day.
“It was an unforgettable experience, creating memories that will last a lifetime,” she said. “We travelled to Geneva before taking a 4-hour train journey to the beautiful village of Zermatt. We spent our first night in a youth hostel before setting off on our four-day trek around the Matterhorn.
“Each day, we hiked between six and nine hours, staying in three different mountain lodges along the route. Life in the mountains was simple, we were served set meals, slept in bunk beds, and even had allocated shower times due to the limited water supply at higher altitudes.
“Experiencing these conditions was incredible, as it gave us a new perspective and made us appreciate the simplicity of mountain life. Rather than being an inconvenience, it became an essential part of the journey, making the adventure even more rewarding and memorable.
“As the trek progressed, we encountered some challenging sections of terrain, including rocky paths and areas that required scrambling, which added to the sense of adventure. Reaching heights of around 2,700 metres made the achievement even more rewarding, with incredible panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and glaciers.
“After four unforgettable days in the mountains, we completed our descent back into Zermatt with a huge sense of accomplishment. It was a physically demanding but incredibly rewarding experience that tested us both mentally and physically, and one that none of us will ever forget.”
For Williams the experience offered her something new, a different perspective on her life as a professional golfer and being able to spend time with her mum and partner.
From the views on the Matterhorn to raising money for Alzheimer’s Society, the 31-year-old admits it was something she will cherish forever.
She continued: “The best part of the experience was sharing it with my partner, my mum, and 11 other incredible women, all of whom were taking on the challenge for their own personal reasons. Every day brought something special that added to the memories, but my standout moment came on day three.
“After hiking through the woods, we turned a corner on the mountainside and were greeted by our first full view of the Matterhorn. It was a beautiful day with clear blue skies, and the mountain was covered in snow. It was, without doubt, the most breathtaking view I have ever seen.
“Golf has taken me all over the world, and I’ve been fortunate enough to visit some amazing places, but this was on another level. We all stopped to take photographs and admire the incredible scenery. Then one of the women suggested that, rather than simply capturing the moment, we should truly take it in and reflect on why we were there.
“Together, we stood in silence for a minute to remember the loved ones we have lost and to think of those who are still living with these devastating diseases. It was an incredibly emotional and powerful moment, and one that will stay with me forever.
“Words will never fully describe what it meant to share this experience with my partner, my mum, and the incredible group we were with. We laughed until our stomachs hurt, we cried together, and we supported one another every step of the way.
“Over those four days, we created memories and friendships that will last a lifetime. Taking on such a challenge alongside people who were all there for deeply personal reasons made the experience even more meaningful, and it’s something I will always cherish.”
Williams participated in the trek to help raise money for Alzheimer’s Society in memory of her parter Bec’s Taid (Grandad) Jack.
Having taken a few weeks not playing golf, the Welsh player is getting ready to tee it up again on the LET next week in Scotland.
Williams will be competing in the ISPS HANDA Women’s Scottish Open and will bring a new outlook and mentality to Dundonald Links.
She added: “We took on the Matterhorn Highlights Trek in support of Alzheimer’s Society, in memory of Bec’s Taid, Jack, whose strength and legacy inspired us every step of the way. It meant so much to honour him through this challenge, and we hope the funds we’ve raised will help Alzheimer’s Society continue its vital research, provide support for individuals and families living with dementia, and bring us closer to a future where no one has to face these diseases alone.
“After a couple of weeks reflecting on what was such an incredible experience, I’ve been back on the golf course practising and preparing to return to the Scottish Open next week. I’m really looking forward to getting back into competition over the next few weeks in the UK.
“I also hope to take everything I learned from the trek into my golf. The experience gave me a real sense of perspective and reminded me that there is so much more to life than sport. I believe it has made me mentally stronger, and I’m excited to see how that different outlook helps me both on and off the course.”
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