What’s happened to our British summer? I even missed the mini heatwave as I was in Italy for the duration, and you wouldn’t believe it, it was raining there! I’m not talking about light rain, one afternoon we were called off the course due to thunderstorms and golf was abandoned for the day. Ironic and quite funny really!
I’m definitely not complaining because despite the unpredictable weather, it was such a treat to have an opportunity to play at Arzaga Golf Club and stay at QC Termegarda on the outskirts of Lake Garda. I’d never heard of the place before, but there’s 27 holes, a 9-holer designed by Gary Player and an 18-hole Jack Nicklaus design. It’s such a beautiful part of the world, the food was to die for, and the hotel is part of QC Terme Spas and Resorts, so a big focus on wellness. Come rain or shine, if you want to get away from it all, then add this one to your bucket list, although you’re likely to return home half a stone heavier!
I did have a wobble on the golf course, typical me. My issues, nobody else’s. Let’s just say that the harder I tried, the worse it got. I’m sure many of you will be able to relate to my scenario and you can read about it here.
It’s incredible to think we’re already in July, and this week sees the fourth women’s Major of the year - The Amundi Evian Championship. That’s another beautiful place, but it’s a shame that some of the world’s best players are not making the trip to France. The tournament was established as a Major just over a decade ago, but compared with the other Majors, it doesn’t seem to get the recognition of being a real biggie in the women’s game. Let’s hope that Charley Hull has recovered from illness and injury that forced her to pull out of last week’s Aramco Series London, and she’s fit enough to get an overdue Major title across the line.
No doubt players have got their sights set on the final women’s Major of the year - the AIG Women’s Open that takes place from 21-25 August. Now that will be very special, played over the Old Course at St Andrews. When I interviewed Georgia Hall recently, she confirmed that everyone will be trying a little bit harder to become the champion at the historic venue. For Georgia, winning at St Andrews would be the only victory that would top her Women’s Open title that she won in 2018 at Royal Lytham & St Annes. It’s clearly Georgia’s happy place, she loves the town and would like to own a property there one day.
I love St Andrews too. Unfortunately, I won’t be there to watch Tom Grennan perform on the Saturday night, he’s following in the footsteps of Ellie Goulding who was the headline act at Walton Heath last year. I’ll be there from Monday to Thursday though, watching and learning how golf should be played without any issues!
Alison Root
Women's Editor Golf Monthly
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