Journey has just begun for Hall
dubai — It has been quite an heady journey for Georgia Hall but the Englishwoman feels that the voyage has just begun.
The world No.40, who fired a seven-under at the LPGA International in Florida to earn her LPGA Tour card for next season, is in the midst of a dream season.
The 21-year-old from Bournemouth, has had six top 10 finishes on the Ladies European Tour (LET) this season which has seen her already wrap up the Order of Merit title.
Hall also conjured a spirited performance for Europe against the USA in the Solheim Cup, the women’s equivalent of the men’s Ryder Cup.
Having come agonisingly close to winning her first tournament on the LET at the Fatima bint Mubarak Ladies Open, won by India’s Aditi Ashok, Hall hopes to break that duck and sign off the season with a victory.
And Hall said that earning her LPGA card has stoked the hunger in her. “If anything, it’s made me want to win even more, because I’ve had the best season I could imagine,” Hall said at the practice range of the Majlis Course at the Emirates Golf Club on Tuesday.
“It would be lovely to get a win at the last tournament of the year,” she added.
Hall made the long-haul flight across the Atlantic, from Florida to Dubai, and despite the jet lag, she said she would be able to shake off the weariness and be primed for her favourite event — the Omega Dubai Ladies Classic, which starts from Wednesday.
“I’m feeling very tired but I’m happy that I got my tour card. It was a long and stressful week but now I’m looking forward to playing in Dubai. I’ve played this course a few times and I played well last week so I’m quite confident. Hopefully I will improve as the week goes on,” she said.
Hall pointed out that her consistent swing as well as being mentally strong has been the secret to her success this season. “I think mentally, I’m a lot stronger and I know who I am on the golf course and off it. My swing has been very consistent and my golf has in general, which has helped,” said Hall, who finished tied for third at the British Open.
With such a season under her belt, Hall wants to end it nicely. “At the end of the year you want to finish well. Dubai is one of the highlights of the year because we get looked after really well and the golf course is superb, so I always look forward to playing in this tournament,” she said.
Hall reflected on the season gone by and looking ahead, she hoped to win a Major.
“The highs have been the Women’s British Open and Solheim Cup and LPGA Tour card. I can’t really say I’ve had a low because I haven’t had a bad tournament,” Hall said.
“I want to become the Rookie of the Year (on the LPGA) and win Majors,” she added.
james@khaleejtimes.com