The newly named AIG Women’s Open is renowned across the globe but it is an even bigger deal for the 21 Brits in the field this week, hoping to play their cards right at Royal Troon for the 44th edition of the Championship.
With players from all corners of the United Kingdom teeing it up, including 13 Englishwomen, five Scots, two Northern Irishwomen and a solitary Welsh competitor, it doesn’t get much bigger than this week with a $4.5million prize fund at stake.
Leading the English charge is 2018 winner Georgia Hall, who captured the trophy at another Royal venue (Lytham) and makes no secret of the fact this is her favourite event of the year.
“It’s always very special to see all the massive boards everywhere, and it definitely feels like a major. I think it is an amazing venue. The world’s top players come here to compete, and I’m really excited to be playing a major, and especially the Women’s Open.”
Although her friends and family won’t be able to attend, due to spectator restrictions, she added, “It’s still my favourite event of the year, and I know that they will be watching back at home.”
Breaking one tradition, Hall is without her Dad on the bag this week due to COVID protocols but is maintaining one yearly tradition.
“I only bring the 3-iron out once a year, and this is the week. I really enjoy hitting a 3-iron, so I can’t wait.”
Charley Hull, who is making her ninth appearance at the age of 24, has been a consistent performer in years past but is chasing her first top-10 finish despite recording four top-25 results. Asked about her preparation, Hull employs a different method to most.
“I just try to picture the fairways being tree-lined because I like really, really tight golf courses and I like to feel like tunnel vision where this is kind of open and flat and it’s hard to pick your lines because it’s hard to pick out the fairways sometimes. So you’ve just got to be really focused.”
Speaking of secret weapons, like Hall’s three iron, Woburn’s Hull has her own unique way of distracting herself in the moment.
“I just doodle in my book, like draw little hearts, that’s what I do.”
Perhaps we could all take a leaf out Charley’s book.
Scotland’s Kylie Henry, who is one of five home-hopefuls, is about as local as it gets, growing up and living in Glasgow. She is fresh off the back of a T12 finish last week at the Aberdeen Standard Investments Ladies Scottish Open and is hopeful of another big week.
“It’s a privilege to be playing a major at Royal Troon, and for me personally, so close to home and it does feel like a home event. It is a shame that my family can’t be here as they usually come to every event they possibly can, and every time we play in Scotland or even the U.K.”
“This year, It’s just the way it is and it’s just so amazing they are going ahead.”
Northern Ireland’s hopes rest with Stephanie Meadow and up-and-coming amateur Olivia Mehaffey, who qualified as the highest-ranked Great Britain and Ireland amateur while Welsh veteran Becky Morgan is back in the AIG Women’s Open for the first time since 2017.
Mehaffey has the honour of teeing off alongside Dame Laura Davies in the first group of the day at 6.30am.
