Georgia Hall is making her Major comeback this week following the birth of her son Conor in February of this year.
The English star was the last winner of the AIG Women’s Open at Royal Lytham & St Annes when she won by two strokes in 2018.
Returning to the scene of her triumph, Hall feels confident heading to a venue she knows so well.
“It was really cool to drive in on Monday,” said Hall. “It gave me goosebumps. It was such a nice feeling to be back here, and a happy atmosphere seeing all the spectators already today. I’m really excited for this week, so hopefully be a good week.
“It brings me a lot of confidence coming back here, and even playing in the practice rounds I see the shots I hit in certain positions. I remember every pin position, so that was really good.
“My body is improving every month definitely and I’m playing pretty decent, but I think it’s more having a card in your hand and being in those pressure situations and getting used to that again. This event is obviously one of the reasons I play golf. This is just the highlight of my year.
“I just remember everyone standing up on the grandstands and cheering my name and then obviously walking down there with a three-shot lead made it a bit more enjoyable. I had a bit less pressure on me, but for it to be in England as well was extra special, and to have that support.
“It was my rookie year then on the LPGA, so it was a highlight of my career. You don’t really realise the impact it has on you until months after. That’s the advice I would give to myself if I won again.”
Hall has played several Ladies European Tour (LET) events as preparation for teeing it up in the final Major championship of the year.
The LET sat down with the Major winner to speak about her return to Royal Lytham & St Annes, her pregnancy journey and how she has been preparing to tee it up on the major stage.
She continued: “I first picked up a club six weeks after giving birth. I was in Ireland and went to a local driving range. I was really excited because I didn’t know how I was going to hit it and thought I might top it or something.
“I actually hit it pretty good, but my rotation, there was no rotation at all. I went there for an hour and I was pleasantly surprised. I was leaving that thinking, okay let’s see if I can get back to Lytham. I enjoyed the progress coming back. I think majority of it was rehab, working on my pelvic floor, gym, cardio etc.
“I just spoke to Beany [Catriona Matthew] and I said I really don’t know how you did it. You couldn’t dream of doing that. I couldn’t. She said it’s lot easier with the second [child]. It’s just amazing. She’s such a role model to look up to as well and gives great advice. Obviously, such a great player and captain as well, it’s nice to see her here this week.”
Hall always had the AIG Women’s Open as the event she wanted to play during her postpartum journey and she has already made memories that will last a lifetime.
She added: “This event, I didn’t want to miss this event wherever it was, but especially Lytham. I didn’t know whether it would come back here if I would have retired down the line in ten years.
“Eight years ago is quite a long time. My parents are here and my other half’s dad is here, so we have a lot of help with Conor, which is great. It’s a very busy week for me, so it’s nice to know that he’s well looked after.
“I had a picture with him on 18 and that will definitely be my screen saver. To have my whole life there with Paul. It’s lovely. It’s a shame he’s not a bit older, but I’m really grateful that I made it back here and everything went well enough in the birth to allow me to play.”
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