The 2009 Ricoh Women’s British Open champion at Royal Lytham Catriona Matthew believes that keeping out of the bunkers will be the key to low scoring on the Ailsa Course at Turnberry this week.
“The fairway bunkers, I would say probably actually the bunkers are steeper than they are on a lot of other links courses,” said Matthew. “It’s good to stay out of the fairway bunker. You’re better having a longer shot in than trying to take in some of the bunkers. Like 5, the par 4, they are super deep on the left. I think the main thing is just to try and keep it out of them. Try and avoid having doubles.”
This is a special week for Matthew, the leading Scot in the tournament. As a past champion and last Briton to win the title six years ago, she still feels the tingle of anticipation.
“Obviously being a major and having won it before makes it special, and being my home major, its extra special. Always a little bit more nervous and excited coming into this one,” she said.
While it’s a family affair with husband Graeme on caddie duties, daughters Katie and Sophie are back home in North Berwick so the seven time Solheim Cup player can fully focus on her performance.
Matthew finished tied for 35th in 2002, the only previous time the championship was staged at Turnberry and she feels the course suits her eye: “The greens are probably some of the best we’ve putted on all year. Course is in good shape, and, well, it was a nice day today which always makes it nice. Nice to have four days like this.”
As of Wednesday afternoon, the forecast was for a mixture of sunshine and clouds on Thursday, with increasing clouds and wind for Friday’s second round.
