POWER PLAY
History-maker has her own ploy to combat rivals’ drives
BECKY Kay is unfazed by the long bombers who will drive the ball 60m past her at the Queensland Open because birdies can still beat biceps.
That’s where the Gold Coast teenager’s touch on the greens with her trusty Scotty Cameron putter is such a plus because testosterone will be no advantage there at Brisbane Golf Club.
Many of the 131 blokes in the field would love a putting stroke as reliable as Kay’s when she makes her slice of golf history tomorrow.
“I still can’t believe I’m in the field,” the 19-year-old amateur golfer said.
“Nerves, excitement, challenging myself ... they are all there.
“I know I’ll be 50-80m back down the fairway on some holes but it doesn’t worry me because this course sets up nicely because you can play it different ways. I’m putting well and that’s part of my game I’m always confident about.
“I do practise with the guys in the Queensland Academy of Sport squad at this course so that’s a help towards feeling comfortable.”
Women have played in men’s pro tournaments before, most notably 2014 US Women’s Open champion Michelle Wie who even made the cut in a Korean event in 2006.
No female has ever teed it up in the fabled Queensland Open, won in the past by Greg Norman, David Graham, Norman von Nida, Peter Senior and other luminaries.
The fact that the Coolangatta and Tweed Heads Golf Club member will also be the smallest in the field at just 55kg magnifies her achievement to qualify last week with a fine 69.
She must play the tournament off the men’s tees which on some holes means backing her driver rather than a hybrid from the women’s tees to get into the same position.
She drives the ball about 230m, compared to the near-300m distance of monster-ballers like Tim Hart, who may use a wedge to her four iron into some par four greens.
Kay has beaten boys in junior events in the past but even making the cut here as her dream goal would be a crazy triumph.