Since then the Swedish star has shone consistently and has occupied the top 50 of the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings for large portions of
her career, including several spells in the top 10.

Notching a further six LPGA wins in the meantime, it wasn’t until 2017 when Nordqvist added a second major to her tally by winning the Evian Championship.

Her impressive career includes seven Solheim Cups with a winning record that places her among Europe’s all-time elite, a position reinforced by a third major title secured at the AIG Women’s British Open just days before a fourth Solheim Cup victory was achieved with Team Europe.

The 34-year-old returns to the Middle East in November where she will be in action competing in the Aramco Saudi Ladies International (November 4-7) and Aramco Team Series – Jeddah (November 10-12) at the prestigious Royal Greens G&CC, Saudi Arabia.

We caught up with the Arizona-based Swede ahead of the Ladies European Tour double-header in King Abdullah Economic City and started by returning to her glorious week at the British Open.

● ● ●

GD: Reflecting on your AIG Women’s British Open victory, what stands out from that week?
AN: It still feels unreal that I won the British Open at Carnoustie, and as a European, there’s nothing bigger to win. To do it at such a historic venue and being so close to friends and family of both my husband – who grew up 20 minutes away – and caddie, who all came to watch and support, I can’t see it getting any better.

● ● ●

Where does it sit among all your professional achievements?
It’s definitely the biggest victory of my career. I’m extremely proud of the achievement and of all the hard work that I’ve put in over the last couple of years, especially when I haven’t seen that hard work pay off in my results. I’m extremely happy and I think when this season ends, I’ll have more time to process it, but I’m very proud.

● ● ●

What does it mean to be part of the European Solheim Cup Team?
For me, Solheim Cups have been the biggest events I’ve played in my career. I remember going down to Barsebäck [Golf & Country Club, Sweden,] in 2003 and watching it with my family. I’d played golf for just three years at that time and could only dream of playing in an atmosphere like that.

When I think of that girl now, having played in seven… that really blows my professional goals out of the park.

● ● ●

How has your role within the team changed since your first Solheim Cup?
In my first team, as a rookie in 2009, I was fortunate to compete alongside so many golfers I admired growing up. I played with Laura Davies, Suzann Pettersen, Helen Alfredsson, Sophie Gustafson, Maria Hjorth, basically all the women I grew up watching. That experience was very special but obviously now having played in quite a few myself, I’m one of the more experienced players and help look after the rookies. It’s surreal when I think about it. I’m extremely proud and honoured to have had an opportunity to represent Europe and be part of so many amazing teams, with so many other players.

● ● ●

You’ve won in Europe twice and the U.S. twice. Does winning on home or away soil feel better and why?
I just love the Solheim Cup wherever it is; there’s something very special about it. The atmosphere, walking up to the first tee, hitting the first tee shot – something I was charged with at this last Solheim Cup – these are moments I live for. I just love it.

Winning is always special. It doesn’t compare with anything else. It’s perhaps a little more special to win on U.S. soil, probably because we’re underdogs and have the majority of the crowd against you. That said, in 2019 at Gleneagles, my whole family were there cheering me on, screaming, shouting and dressing up. It’s such a big week for my family and those are the few weeks in my career when they all come to watch me play and we all get such a fun week out of it, so they’re all special but 2019 was maybe the most special because of just how much I could share it with my family.

● ● ●

Nordqvist finished in a share of 11th place at last year’s Aramco Saudi Ladies International

You played in the Aramco Saudi Ladies International in 2020, which, as you know was a watershed moment for Saudi Arabia as it was one of the first professional female sports events in the Kingdom. Why do you think it’s good for golf to be played at an elite level in new and emerging destinations?
To have been part of the first women’s professional golf event in Saudi Arabia last year is very cool. Meeting young girls there and women who’ve excelled in the Middle East has been awesome. It’s important to play all over the world to show this is a sport without limits, without borders and that as a professional golfer it’s great to travel the world, not only to show you can compete anywhere but also to experience different cultures.

I have always loved my time in Saudi Arabia. On my first trip, I met a lot of amazing people from all walks of life and it’s inspirational to see how other people have accomplished their dreams. I’m looking forward to coming back this year and I know there are plans in place to make the event even better this year. There was a young girl I met last year in the Pro-Am, and I’m looking forward to seeing her again and understanding how she’s been getting on in pursuing her own goals and ambitions.

● ● ●

The Ladies First Club was launched at the Aramco Saudi Ladies International and welcomed 1,000 Saudi women who signed up to free access to golf. What do you think of initiatives like this?
I know not everyone is fortunate enough to have access to golf courses and equipment, but for 1,000 women to be provided with free access to the sport in a safe and comfortable environment is remarkable. I know those spots filled up very quickly, so there’s clearly an interest and I’m looking forward to seeing how it’s been going for those women in the last year.

● ● ●

The Aramco Team Series will have visited London, Sotogrande, Spain and New York by the time it reaches King Abdullah Economic City for the season finale

Besides your playing experiences in the region, you now have strong ties with the Middle East through your ambassadorial roles with Golf Saudi and the Aramco Team Series. What made you want to be an ambassador for those brands?
Initiatives like the Ladies First Club and seeing how Aramco and Golf Saudi are looking to grow the women’s game was what touched me most and made me want to be an ambassador. What I’m most passionate about is creating opportunities for women, especially young girls, to be able to pick up golf.

I’m very proud to be an ambassador for Golf Saudi and the Aramco Team Series because they are trying to grow the game in places where we can’t really take women’s golf, or even women’s sports, for granted.

Aramco and Golf Saudi’s initiative to sponsor five tournaments has made a massive difference to the [Ladies] European Tour and women’s golf in general. By coming up with new, fun ways of including women and amateur golfers like they do in the Aramco Team Series, and broadcasting around the world really helps demonstrate how many great personalities there are on the LET.

● ● ●

Is being a role model or ambassador important to you?
I think it’s very important to be an ambassador for the game of golf and especially for young girls all over the world. I always said to, ‘be the change you wish to see’ and I think if I didn’t have amazing role models growing up like Annika [Sörenstam] and other players from Sweden playing at the highest level, it would have been hard for me to make the same dreams. Sharing experiences and seeing first-hand what it’s like you can see the potential, and I feel that by being an ambassador, if I help someone take up the game, or believe in themselves, or be proud of being a young girl with big dreams, I think we’re on a good track. I think it’s very important to use your voice as a professional golfer and be an ambassador and role model for young girls to pursue their dreams. It doesn’t necessarily have to be golf. Travelling around the world and playing in lots of different countries enables us to be role models to young people and help them dream maybe a little bigger.

● ● ●

The innovative format for 2020’s Aramco Saudi Ladies Team International has been adopted and re-energised as the Aramco Team Series, which is played four times per year in four global cities. What do you like about the Aramco Team Series?
I can honestly say it’s a fun tournament I really look forward to. It’s something different from what we normally do every week. Getting to pick a teammate is nice, but then having another pro randomly paired with you also gives you the opportunity to meet other girls on tour you might not meet otherwise. It’s really great to have the amateurs playing too, and it’s so much fun when they contribute to the team, or just make a good shot, but we also give them advice through the tournament and when they have success following giving them advice – that’s really rewarding. It’s also just lovely to get to know other people from around the world that I might not otherwise spend time with. It’s a great week where you can enjoy the team atmosphere and probably relax a little more than usual weeks. It’s fun to see how well-received it’s been from both amateurs and pros.

[divider] [/divider]

Global Game Changer

The inaugural Aramco Saudi Ladies International marked a new dawn for women’s golf in the kingdom last year. That success has led to ‘Get Into Golf’ initiatives being replicated globally.

Following its successful inauguration in 2020, the Aramco Saudi Ladies International (ASLI) returns to Royal Greens G&CC in King Abdullah Economic City from November 4-7.

Won last year by Dane Emily Kristine Pedersen (pictured above), the European Solheim Cup star’s victory helped her claim the 2020 Race to Costa del Sol, the Ladies European Tour’s season-long competition to crown Europe’s No.1 player.

Sanctioned by the Ladies European Tour (LET), the event offers a prize fund of $1M, which – now alongside the new Aramco Team Series – makes Aramco the single most significant supporter of the LET.

As part of ‘Vision 2030’ – Saudi Arabia’s transformative economic and social reform blueprint opening up the Kingdom to the world – the Quality of Life Program endeavours to expand the horizons of many sectors that directly impact citizens, including sports, culture and entertainment.

High profile golf events are a feature for Saudi Arabia’s golf strategy; designed to inspire next generations and showcase the natural beauty of the nation.

Ladies First Club
Within just four days of its launch by Golf Saudi in 2020, a phenomenal 1000 women and girls signed-up to play and receive regular lessons via the Ladies First Club. With the goal of getting more females playing golf, the Ladies First Club is a hands-on, experience-led initiative that helps get women and girls with club in hand and learning more about golf and getting a better taste of the game. Thanks to its success in Saudi Arabia, the Ladies First Club initiative has gone international with help from the Aramco Team Series, which has sought to replicate its impact at every venue the innovative tournament series is played.

The post Anna Nordqvist  is determined to make her ambassadorial role for Golf Saudi count, in the kingdom and beyond appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

By John Huggan
There’s not going to be an Open Championship at Royal St. George’s next week. And the British Senior Open won’t be taking place at Sunningdale one week after that. But next month the AIG Women’s British Open at Royal Troon (Aug. 20-23) will go ahead—albeit without spectators—assuming players flying to Scotland from the United States are exempted by the Scottish government from the two-week quarantine restrictions currently in place.

That looks more than likely, however, as does the playing of the Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Women’s Open at The Renaissance Club Aug. 13-16. Although both are “subject to the necessary approvals being secured,” a statement released by the R&A, which runs the Women’s British Open, contained a more than encouraging message from Fiona Hyslop, Scottish Government Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Fair Work and Culture.

“Scotland is the home of golf and so it is fitting that we are on course to host golf’s first major of 2020, the AIG Women’s British Open,” Hyslop said. “This is only possible thanks to the dedication of the R&A in working with the Scottish government and other partners to develop comprehensive plans to allow for an event of this stature to take place, set against the most challenging of circumstances. I’m especially pleased that we are able to support the return of female professional golf, underlining our commitment to equality across both sport and society.”

The field at Troon—nine times an Open Championship venue but hosting the Women’s Open for the first time—will be comprised of the leading players from the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings as well as recognizing successful players from recent tournaments staged on the world’s leading tours. Pre-qualifying and final qualifying events for the championship have been cancelled based on health and safety advice.

As has been the case on the PGA Tour, and will be on the European Tour later this month, the championship will enforce strict health and safety protocols including the creation of a biosecure zone. Only personnel essential to the event’s onsite operations—namely players, caddies, officials, and staging staff—will be inside the zone with their movements for the week limited to the golf course and designated secure hotel (likely near Glasgow Airport). All personnel will be required to return a negative COVID-19 test from an authorized testing centre and will be subject to further daily temperature checks and rigorous protocols designed to maintain the integrity of the zone and the health of those within it.

“The AIG Women’s British Open is important to the success of women’s professional golf,” said R&A chief executive Martin Slumber. “We have been working closely with our title sponsor AIG, Visit Scotland, Royal Troon and our key advisors to find a way for the Championship to be played safely this year. We believe that playing the AIG Women’s British Open is a significant step for players whose playing opportunities have been severely impacted this year.”

One player especially pleased is European Solheim Cup captain Catriona Matthew, who lives in North Berwick, less than five miles from the Renaissance Club.

“We are all happy to hear that women’s golf will be getting back underway in Scotland,” said the 2009 Women’s British Open champion. “With men’s professional golf back playing, it is important that we are able to follow suit, so this is really excellent news for the women’s game and I am delighted to be preparing for my national open in just over a month’s time.”

The post A fanless Women’s British Open at Royal Troon still set for August appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

By Joel Beall
Lexi Thompson had a rough experience at last week’s Evian Championship. Her start to the Women’s British Open isn’t much better.

Thompson, who sounded off about course conditions following a missed cut in France, accidentally left her passport in her golf bag, according to a Golf Channel report. Thompson’s clubs were with 40 other players’ sticks in a rental car travelling from the Evian Resort Golf Club to Woburn Golf Club in England, site of this week’s Open.

Ian Wright, a former caddie for Seve Ballesteros, was in charge of hauling the clubs between major sites. About two hours following departure, he received a call that Thompson’s passport was in the back of his van. Wright told the Golf Channel’s Randall Mell that he pulled over and waited for Thompson’s caddie to retrieve the documentation.

“I think I might have screamed,” Wright told Golf Channel. “I had to drive through the night to get here.”

As he was waiting, Wright had to unpack most of the bags, as he was carrying a full load of equipment. “That van was packed to the hilt,” Wright said. “A mouse couldn’t have found room to live in there.”

After the passport was handed off, Wright had to repack the van, and told the Golf Channel the episode put him back an initial three hours. Unfortunately, his delays did not end there: Because of the stoppage, he missed a ferry to England, and ultimately found himself stuck in rush-hour traffic jams.

As Wright didn’t arrive to Woburn until 5:00 p.m. local time—almost 24 hours after his adventure began—players whose clubs were in his van missed a practice round, as the course closed for maintenance. The players were, however, allowed to hit on the range.

Thompson’s agent told the Golf Channel it was an honest mistake.

“She had no idea retrieving it would cause the delay it did, or that it would impact other players the way it did,” said agent Bobby Kreusle. “She would never have wanted that.”

The post Lexi Thompson’s passport issue causes 40 players to miss Women’s British Open practice round, according to Golf Channel report appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

WE’RE BUYING

Matthew Wolff: That didn’t take long, huh? Less than three weeks after hitting his first tee shot as a pro, Wolff won his first PGA Tour title at the 3M Open. And he did it in spectacular fashion with a back-nine 31 capped by a walk-off eagle on No. 18:

A weekend to remember.@matthew_wolff5 had a highlight-reel finish @3MOpen en route to his first TOUR win. ?#LiveUnderPar pic.twitter.com/H8jKAwWUrm

— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) July 8, 2019

I’m not sure what was better. The eagle itself or the fact Wolff didn’t even watch the ball go into the hole before starting to celebrate (watch it again, closely).

He knew it was good before it went in. ?

That's some confidence, @matthew_wolff5. ? pic.twitter.com/gMrgeSjvfq

— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) July 8, 2019

The reaction from his swing coach, George Gankas, who was watching from his pool with some buddies, was also pretty good:

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bzocs2fARaI/?utm_source=ig_embed

The weather was awful a couple of weeks ago when I went to the first round of the Travelers Championship. But I braved the elements and the mud pit I had to park my car in (can I expense a car wash?) for the sole reason of being able to say brag one day that I saw Wolff’s pro debut. Incredibly, that day is already here. The Matthew Wolff Era is officially upon us. And I can say I was there from way back on Day 1 . . . a couple of weeks ago.

Collin Morikawa: OK, so it wasn’t technically a walk-off eagle by Wolff because this fellow newbie had a crack of his own to tie Wolff moments later. Morikawa missed, but his two-putt birdie gave him a T-2 and a decent consolation prize in a special temporary PGA Tour membership. Since making his debut at the Canadian Open last month, the Cal product has a scoring average of 68.792. Snazzy.

Jon Rahm: Remember when this guy was all the rage for winning his first PGA Tour title with an eagle from the fringe on 18? Seems like ages ago, and yet Rahm is still only 24. And still really, really good. Over the weekend he offered arguably his most impressive performance yet, firing rounds of 64 and 62 at Lahinch to claim the Irish Open for the second time in three years.

Ross Kinnaird

Oh yeah, I’m buying Lahinch, too.

This any good or nah? pic.twitter.com/CLoWs8X0Ri

— Kyle Porter (@KylePorterCBS) July 5, 2019

That place looks absolutely spectacular.

The Bob Vokey Tour Experience: Earlier this year, I had the honour and pleasure of going through a fitting with this wedge wizard at Titleist’s beautiful facility in Oceanside, Calif. And now I’m reaping the rewards with clubs hand-crafted by the legendary club maker himself. Tough assignment, I know. For those interested, click here for more on this unforgettable experience that can also be yours. It will just cost you. . . (gulp) $2,400. Here’s a pic of Mr. 60 (What I call myself around the office) and the real Mr. 60, who turns 80 next week:

Happy birthday, Bob! And if I win my upcoming major (the 2019 HGGA Championship), I will be sure to thank you in my victory speech.

WE’RE SELLING

John Daly’s week: The two-time major champ made two big announcements in the past week. First, that the R&A was denying him the use of a golf cart at next week’s Open Championship at Portrush. Then that he had undergone surgery after being bitten by a spider while vacationing in England with his family.

Thankfully, Daly is OK, but not feeling well enough to play in the year’s final major. Instead, he’ll play at the Barbasol Championship, where he will likely be allowed to use a cart. In a related note, I’m buying these things being called “buggies” like they are in the UK. And yes, I’m selling spider bites that send you into surgery. Terrifying stuff.

Tiger Woods’ early wake-up calls: Apparently, the 15-time major champ is setting his alarm clock for 1 a.m. to try to get on Northern Ireland time ahead of next week’s Open Championship in Royal Portrush:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BzqZMWwALUP/?utm_source=ig_embed

I dig Tiger’s enthusiasm, but that seems a bit much. Also, wouldn’t he be better served by heading across the pond and waking up at a normal time in Northern Ireland to get used to the time difference? And, you know, actually playing some golf over there? Just a thought, Tiger. . .

Shooting 28 under. . . and losing: That’s exactly what Ariya Jutanugarn did at the Thornberry Creek LPGA Classic. Despite a final-round 64 to get to that absurd number, Jutanugarn came up one shot short to Shanshan Feng, who shot a Sunday 63 to get to an even more absurd total of 29 under par. Congrats to Shanshan on winning for the first time in nearly two years, and condolences to Ariya.

ON TAP

The PGA Tour heads (At least, those not playing in this week’s Scottish Open on the Euro Tour) to TPC Deere Run for the John Deere Classic, AKA the Steve Stricker Open. Sadly, the Strick Show has chosen to play the Senior Players Championship instead. He will be missed—especially since this field might not have the star power of the Senior Players. On the bright side, a guy with an ELECTRIC swing that has taken the golf world by storm is playing!

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bzqk5B1FM9N/?utm_source=ig_embed

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bzss3KlFLKs/?utm_source=ig_embed

Oh, yeah. Matthew Wolff will be there, too.

Random tournament fact: Defending John Deere champ Michael Kim won by eight shots last year. He returns having missed 20 (yes, TWENTY because I’m not counting Kapalua where there wasn’t a cut) consecutive cuts. Freaking golf, am I right?

RANDOM PROP BETS OF THE WEEK

—Michael Kim will win the John Deere Classic by eight shots again: 1 Million-to-1 odds

— Matthew Wolff will win the John Deere Classic: 15-to-1 odds (Actual odds)

— George Gankas’ lesson schedule is booked up for a while: LOCK

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

Not only did Bryson DeChambeau have his own 18th-hole heroics topped by Matthew Wolff, but he also became a meme. Introducing “Brysoning”:

Bryson's face when Matthew Wolff made his eagle putt on 18 ???? pic.twitter.com/hakzXEThqt

— Amanda Rose (@AmandaGolf59) July 7, 2019

Credit where credit's due: when the camera is rolling, Bryson plays the best frat-house-comedy villain in golf. Wolff makes a putt behind him, and our man delivers pure "my father, the DEAN, will hear about this!" incredulity. pic.twitter.com/HykarBtDEL

— Garrett Morrison (@garrett_TFE) July 7, 2019

looking through email after a long holiday weekend pic.twitter.com/tSNMTE6dK6

— Brendan Porath (@BrendanPorath) July 8, 2019

Poor guy.

VIRAL VIDEO OF THE WEEK

The European Tour’s latest stroke of genius involved surprising fans by putting them in the TV booth to call the action. And the results were fantastic:

What happens when unsuspecting Irish golf fans end up on 'live TV'?

Introducing… #AccidentalCommentary ? pic.twitter.com/vpOKqvTKkt

— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) July 8, 2019

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“Maybe a virgin pina colada.” — Matthew Wolff when asked how he planned to celebrate. The kid’s got jokes as well.

THIS WEEK IN CELEBRITY GOLFERS

Will Smith showed off an interesting way of setting off fireworks:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BzfzpEVg_QK/?utm_source=ig_embed

Is this a scene from the next Independence Day?

THIS WEEK IN DUSTIN JOHNSON-PAULINA GRETZKY BROOKS KOEPKA-JENA SIMS PUBLIC DISPLAYS OF AFFECTION

https://www.instagram.com/p/BzhCyfaAwtO/?utm_source=ig_embed

Does Brooks Koepka play in between majors just to miss weddings?

THIS WEEK IN OTHER TOUR PROS PUBLIC DISPLAYS OF AFFECTION

And Maverick McNealy and Danielle Kang continue to be golf’s new “it” couple:

https://twitter.com/MavMcNealy/status/1147974972905676800

Love the use of WAG, Mav.

THIS AND THAT

We had George Gankas on the Golf Digest Podcast to discuss Matthew Wolff and also try to get some tips to increase my pathetic swing speed. He didn’t disappoint.

https://soundcloud.com/user-96678684/matthew-wolffs-breakthrough-win-george-gankas

Speaking of increases, the R&A announced a 40-per cent spike in the purse for next month’s Women’s British Open. That deserves a big golf clap. . . . Phil Mickelson managed to take seven(!) penalty strokes during an opening 74 at the 3M Open, including dumping two balls into the water on No. 18. Hopefully, he dives into some of his craziest rounds in the next “Fireside with Phil” episode. . . . Congrats to Air Force captain Kyle Westmoreland for making his second consecutive cut on the Korn Ferry Tour. It took a pilot’s focus to make it to the weekend this past week in particular with Golf Digest photo editor/Grind producer Michael Sneeden subbing in as his caddie. . . . And finally, I have no clue whose lawn this is, but it always catches my eye when I play the Links at Union Vale:

If Golf Digest ranked America’s greatest lawns, this would have to be on the top of the list.

RANDOM QUESTIONS TO PONDER

How many majors will Matt Wolff win?

How many times have I watched Fargo?

How do I mow my lawn like that?

The post Matthew Wolff’s speedy arrival, Tiger Woods’ early wake-up calls, and Bryson DeChambeau becomes a meme appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

By Joel Beall
Lexi Thompson announced on Instagram Wednesday that she has withdrawn from the Women’s British Open, saying she needs time to work on herself.

“The events of the past year and a half (on and off the golf course) have taken a tremendous toll on me both mentally and emotionally,” Thompson wrote. “I have not truly felt like myself for quite some time. I am therefore taking this time to recharge my mental batteries, and to focus on myself away from the game of professional golf.”

Thompson experienced two high-profile incidents inside the ropes last year, losing the ANA Inspiration in a playoff following a four-stroke penalty for incorrectly marking her ball, and missing a two-foot putt at the season-finale CME Group Tour Championship for a potential victory. The 23-year-old also attended to her mother’s battle with cancer.

“Thank you all so much for your continued support,” Thompson said. “I hope to see everyone soon as I plan to defend my title at the 2018 Indy Women in Tech Championship.

Thompson, one of the most recognizable names in women’s golf, is currently fifth in the world rankings. This campaign has been somewhat of a roller coaster compared to her historical output, posting five top 10s and ranking 15th on the money list but failing to find the winner’s circle. The Indy Women in Tech Championship tees off on August 16.

The Women’s Open begins next week at Royal Lytham. In-Kyung Kim is the reigning champ.

The post Lexi Thompson, citing mental and emotional toll, withdraws from British Open “to focus on myself” appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

English amateur star Lamb will play the Ladies European Tour season-ender from Dec. 6-9 after accepting an invited from Golf in Dubai, the tournament organiser. It mean’s the low amateur at August’s Women’s British Open will be reunited with the South Korean winner of the fourth of the season’s five ladies major championships.

Related: British Open champion I.K. Kim fizzing for Omega Dubai Ladies Classic return

“Winning the amateur medal in a major event was a huge moment for me. It is something everyone dreams of when they first start to play golf,” said the 19-year-old of winning the Smyth Salver with a -6 aggregate at Kingsbarns Golf Links, 12 shots adrift of Kim.

“It’s been a great experience for me to see where my game compares to the best in the world.  When you have confidence in yourself you feel like you can do just about anything, but I don’t want to get ahead of myself and will take things as they come.

“It will be fun playing in Dubai as I have heard a lot of good things about the tournament and know pretty well that it attracts a very strong field each year.

“I am grateful to Golf in Dubai for the invitation and look forward to visiting the magnificent city and playing on the famed Majlis course, Hopefully, there’ll be some more good times to come.”

Related: Pettersen on her Dubai return: “I show up to win tournaments”

Lamb, whose career took off when she captured the the British women’s stroke-play championship and England Golf Women’s Order of Merit title in 2016, has no intention of turning professional until she’s represented Great Britain and Ireland in the biennial Curtis Cup matches against the U.S. in Scarsdale, New York next June.

“That’s something I want to achieve before I turn professional. Not sure how things will pan out, but definitely the Curtis Cup is something I want to do,” said the East Lancashire teen who is listed as a +4.1 handicapper on the England Golf website.

Lamb was England’s top scorer in the mixed international against Spain for the Seve Ballesteros Trophy earlier this year, winning all her games.

Said Falcon Golf (Golf in Dubai) chairman Peter Dawson: “Her achievements since winning the North of England under-14 championships amply show she has enormous potential. This is just the beginning, and I am sure we will see more of her in time to come.”

The post English amateur sensation Sophie Lamb reunited with British Open champion IK Kim in Dubai appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.