I had an exciting start to the week because first thing Monday morning I interviewed Suzann Pettersen. She’s just launched a new athlete-first talent management group called VOXA, derived from the Latin word for ‘voice’.

 And that’s the mission of VOXA, to empower women and give them a voice in the women’s game. Drawing a lot of experience from her career, she’s always had a desire to make an even bigger impact and disrupt the golfing world a little bit more in a positive way. So far, five LPGA players have signed up including Ruoning Yin, Carlota Ciganda, Gaby Lopez, Shannon Tan and Ashley Lau – all number 1s in their respective countries.

 Suzann has been there, done it, and she knows you can’t make it to the top on your own by simply having talent. VOXA is about creating the right support network for these players, working collaboratively and allowing them to feel part of a dedicated family. Who better to lead them than a two-time European Solheim Cup Captain?

 I must admit, I was slightly apprehensive before our conversation. When she was competing, I was familiar with her steely and sometimes fiery personality on and off the course, that’s probably what contributed to her winning 2 Majors and 15 LPGA tour titles. I needn’t have worried, as she was so friendly and we had a lovely chat.

 It had completely passed me by that she also has a daughter. She’s almost four-years-old and her son is now six and a half. Time really does fly – I can’t believe it will be six years ago in September when she drained that winning putt to secure the Solheim Cup for the European team at Gleneagles.

 You might have seen the news last week about the LPGA’s new slow play policy. About time I say, and Suzann agrees that something had to happen. Now that she’s a fan and watches golf on TV, speeding up the game is in the best interests for everyone.

 The new measures, which come into effect  include fines to pros who take 1-5 seconds over their allotted time to take a shot, a one-stroke penalty for 6-15 seconds over time and a two-stroke penalty for 16 seconds or more over time. If the new policy had been in place last season, 23 players would have received a one-stroke penalty, and eight would have received a two-stroke penalty.

 I expect there are some golfers that would like to introduce a slow play policy at their home club – I’m sure we all someone who deserves a fine! Having said that, slow play didn’t feature within the Golf Monthly article about the things that irritate women golfers. Amongst others, these included limited women’s gear in the pro shop, course maintenance on ladies’ day, forward tees being an afterthought, no healthy options on the menu.

Despite our moans and groans, we all love this game, so enjoy your next round!

Alison Root 

Women's Editor

Golf Monthly