I’m not underestimating the role that luck has played in my career and in particular, in helping me to play in this summer’s Olympic Games. Part of my good fortune is that I was born in Germany, where there are relatively fewer professional golfers, which means I have a better chance of qualification, compared to other players who are just as good as me but who face a tougher path to Rio.
And it goes without saying that it’s a big honour to be part of the Germany team alongside my compatriot Caroline Masson. We go there together as a team, but the medals are given for individual play, so we can’t both win one, which feels a bit odd. We will be there together, share coaches and eat together and pull for each other, but ultimately we’re alone when we go out to compete.
I love watching any kind of sport in the Olympics, watching athletes get that chance every four years to win a gold medal. It’s my fervent hope that kids watching in Germany will see us playing and it will encourage them to take up the game.
Its great news that the LET’s flagship event, the ISPS HANDA Ladies European Masters, is moving to Germany this year, following on from the success of The Solheim Cup in my country last year. Germany is a great sporting nation and they are a sleeping giant when it comes to women’s golf. I’m happy to be part of it.
When we get to Rio, it will be a thrill to be around the other Olympic athletes, and to see how they approach their own competitions. Golfers today are becoming more known for their athletic ability as well as their technical skill. Since Tiger came on to the scene, athleticism and fitness has become a major focus amongst the pros and even amateurs of the game. The levels of concentration required over such a prolonged period of time mean that time spent in the gym or on the track, will reap benefits. That’s always been my approach.
