Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Popov the Open champion popped open the champagne
SOPHIA POPOV wrote her name into golfing folklore at the Women’s British Open.
On a thrilling week, the World No304 produced a shock of epic proportions at Royal Troon.
Not only was it Popov’s first ever win on the LPGA or Ladies European Tour, she also became the lowest ranked player to win a women’s major.
It was a life changing moment for the 27-year-old and a well-earned boost to her bank balance. Sunday’s victory in Ayrshire earned her £515,500.
The weather often dictates the winning score at Troon and it played a key role in the first three days. I played in the 1997 Open at Troon and it was one of the most humbling experiences of my career.
My opening round 84 in a storm left me almost propping up the field. I shot a second round 72, but the damage was done.
Like me back in the day, Popov was chasing a dream and that dream became reality as she became the first German woman to win a major. She joins Bernard Langer and Martin Kaymer as the only Germans to win major titles.
It is a remarkable story. Just a few weeks ago she was caddying for Dutch friend Anne Van Damme.
She then started last week as a Symetra Tour player and didn’t even have LPGA status.no wonder she burst into tears after sinking her winning putt at the 18th.
Popov has suffered health problems in recent times – she was diagnosed with Lyme Disease three years ago – so to do what she has done speaks volumes.
After almost quitting last year, she is now a major champion and I hope this is a springboard for the rest of her career because Europe needs a new female star.
Women’s golf has been the poor relation for too long and while the pace of play hasn’t helped the sport as a spectacle, Troon proved change is possible.
The slow play at the previous week’s Scottish
Ladies Open was shocking but lessons were learned.
I know Sky Sports are doing their part for the ladies game, but I thought the BBC’S decision to afford the Open an initial 11.40pm highlights slot was shameful.
The only major in Europe this year was given a graveyard shift and that’s not good enough.
Greater TV exposure is required. It leads to more finance and the more LET events we have on our screens the more the next generation get to see their heroes.
On the plus side, Troon was a perfect host and Popov proved that four days of golf can dramatically alter the course of a career.