Wales’ Darcey Harry will make her AIG Women’s Open debut this week at Royal Porthcawl – a place she knows better than most of the 144 player field.
Having been a member for the past six years, the Welsh star is set to tee it up in her first major on UK soil in round one tomorrow in her homeland Wales.
While local knowledge will be a factor, even Harry admits she’s seeing Royal Porthcawl in a new light this week.
“It’s already been pretty incredible just being here,” said the LET rookie and recent Hulencourt Women’s Open winner. “It doesn’t really feel like home because there are so many people around – Porthcawl is usually so quiet. It’s a bit nerve-racking, I have to say, but hopefully it’ll be a great week. No matter what happens, it’s going to be really special to finally compete on my home course.
“There are actually a few tee boxes I’ve never played off, which was surprising. The greens are running faster, and the course is playing a lot longer. It’s going to be a big challenge. But knowing the lines off the tees and where not to miss around the greens will definitely help.”
Harry, who is rookie on the LET in 2025, also praised AIG and the championship organisers for their commitment to the women’s game.
“I’m so impressed with AIG and everything they’ve done to support women’s golf – especially at this event,” she continued. “The setup is bigger than I ever imagined. The players’ area, the clubhouse, the food – it’s all amazing. I’ve already had the Bolognese, which is my favourite meal, and it’s incredible. I’m very happy this week.”
As for her favourite part of Royal Porthcawl? “It’s definitely the views,” she said. “You can see the water from nearly every hole. And so many players have commented on how friendly the Welsh people are.”
Harry was at Royal Portrush earlier this month, cheering on boyfriend Jacob Skov Olesen as he shared the lead after round one of the men’s Open Championship. This week it will be Olesen in the supporting role on the bag, hoping to replicate her victory at the Hulencourt Women’s Open.
Harry already has one major championship under her belt, having played The Amundi Evian Championship earlier this month – an experience she says helped ease her nerves heading into this week.
“It’s been a huge learning curve playing with some of the best in the world,” she said. “I think definitely just come out here and really enjoy it, try and make sure there’s a smile on my face 24/7. I don’t think I’ll ever get to play a major on my home course again, so I want to soak it all in. I don’t get crowds like this very often, so I’m going to appreciate every moment.”
The 22-year-old will tee off at 12:21pm tomorrow in round one alongside 2018 champion Georgia Hall and major winner Jennifer Kupcho – a group she is very much looking forward to playing with.
She added: “When I saw the groupings, I was so excited to be playing with Georgia [Hall]. I was just a junior when she won and I remember how inspirational that moment was – her jumping into her dad’s arms after winning. It was such a big moment for British golf. It will be nice to have a week learning off those girls.”
You can follow all the action throughout the tournament on our socials – @LETgolf on Instagram, TikTok and X, and Ladies European Tour on YouTube and Facebook – #AIGWO
