I’ll be honest, you are lucky to be reading this week’s Chip and Chat from me at all this week! Last Friday evening, I headed out after a long week of work to play a quiet 9 holes. I was playing on my own, which I actually really enjoy. I was taking my time, dropping a couple of balls down on each hole to practice whenever I wasn’t holding anyone up.
There I was, waiting to play my second shot on the par-5 18th, completely relaxed. Suddenly, out of nowhere, BAM. I was absolutely stunned by a golf ball smashing directly into my left thigh. I did hear a shout of "Fore!" right at the last second, but by then it was too late. I just stood there in complete shock, my brain trying to process what had happened before the agonising pain finally hit.
I ended up hobbling around, wincing, feeling physically sick, and staring down at a perfect, golf-ball-shaped indentation swelling up on my leg. But right after the pain came a massive wave of relief. I thought, how lucky am I? If that ball had been a few feet higher and hit me in the eye, or the temple, I could have been lying flat on the fairway, no longer in this world.
The wayward shot had come from a guy teeing off over on the 10th. He couldn't see me, and you know what it's like, people shout "Fore", never actually thinking they’re about to strike someone. When I hobbled over and told him, "You got me," I think he honestly thought I was joking. That was until I lifted my skort to show him the exact spot where an almighty, technicolour bruise was already forming!
It really goes to show you just how dangerous this game can be and once the shock wore off, it got me thinking about something we often ignore: golf insurance. As I'm a club member, I believe I might have basic liability through England Golf, but it probably doesn't cover everything. Definitely something to add to my to-do list!
Anyway, I’ve lived to tell the tale! And now I’m looking forward to watching this week’s US Women's Open. They are playing at the iconic Riviera Country Club, and with a fantastic field in this second women’s Major of the year, including our English players to root for, it should be a thriller.
After last week’s drama on the LPGA Tour, where Thailand's Arpichaya Yubol heartbreakingly missed out on a playoff with Céline Boutier by just a single stroke due to a costly slow-play penalty (read the full story here), pace of play will be front of mind. With the intense pressure of a Major championship on the line, players will be desperate to stay off the referee's stopwatch.
Stay safe out there on the course, and remember to duck!
Alison Root
Women's Editor Golf Monthly
