That was the most unbelievable finish in a Major I have ever seen. I’m talking about the final stretch at last weekend’s Amundi Evian Championship. If you watched it, you’ll know exactly what I mean. It looked like Thailand’s Jeeno Thitikul was going to clinch her first Major title, but Australian Grace Kim had other ideas and she hit the shot of her life into the 18th green for an eagle 3, which forced a playoff when Grace’s birdie putt missed.
On the first play-off hole, Grace hit her second shot into a hazard, and at this point anyone would have laid money on Jeeno lifting the trophy. I couldn’t believe it when Grace miraculously chipped in for a birdie. Jeeno equalled that score, but then another eagle on the second playoff hole sealed victory for the Sydneysider. It was a brilliant showcase for women’s golf and once again showed us that anything can happen and you should never give up fighting until the last putt drops.
I have to mention Lottie Woad, what a run she’s on and it will be exciting to see if she can continue her incredible performances at next week’s Women’s Scottish Open and then the following week at the AIG Women’s Open. After finishing tied 3rd last weekend, she secured her LPGA tour card and she announced earlier this week that she has turned pro. I don’t blame her, in the last fortnight alone she’s missed out on £500,000. She is one phenomenal player and British and European golf is very lucky to have her.
Now all eyes are on Royal Portrush for the men’s Open, although I won’t be having a sneaky peek at the TV tomorrow as I’m playing in the Verulam Open. I’ve never played this course in Hertfordshire and I can’t remember the last time I played in a women’s open. My golfing friends are often booking these days out during the summer months, so for once I’m looking forward to joining them.
If I happen to be having an off day on the course tomorrow, I know that my playing partners aren’t guilty of offering unsolicited advice, but we all know players that tend to do that and it can be really annoying. Of course, they do it with the best intentions, but it can sometimes make you play a whole lot worse with too many swing thoughts swinging around in your head. A mixed foursome with your husband or partner springs to mind – you want to strangle them!
There’s a fine line between what’s acceptable and what’s not, and PGA Professional Katie Dawkins shares her thoughts in this piece, and most importantly, how to politely tell people to zip it! As Katie says, “Would you offer advice to somebody on what they should buy at the supermarket? No. Why? Because they haven’t asked for it.” Think about it…!
Happy golfing…
Alison Root
Women's Editor Golf Monthly
