Beth and Catriona have got on their bikes this winter
As the men’s game powers on relentlessly, female golfers are playing the waiting game.
The Ladies European Tour has announced its 2021 schedule with 27 tournaments and a prize fund of nearly £17 million, but crucially the first event is not until May in South Africa.
As a member of the Tour’s board, Beth Allen understands the challenges of getting tournaments on in the current climate.
But, as a player, the Edinburgh-based American, winner of the LET’S Order of Merit in 2016, is desperate to be out on the course again.
And the 39-year-old from California has been very jealous seeing the men compete around the world.
“It’s agony,” Beth told The Sunday Post. “Watching Torrey Pines (on the PGA Tour) was the worst. I almost had to switch it off!
“My Mum and brother live about 30 minutes from there, and I’ve played on the Monday after the event in the past when you get to play it in the tournament set-up.
“This is my first full winter in Scotland. I usually start my season in Australia and I either go via the Middle East or California for warm-weather practice, but that’s not been possible.
“It’s not been as bad as I thought here. I have been able to practice a bit at The Renaissance, but it’s hard to get quality work done.
“But I didn’t expect to be playing before May anyway. However, I’m really keen to start travelling again. This is foreign for me to be stuck in one place as I’ve been here since November.
“We’ll all come back with so much enthusiasm, though, as it will be 14 months of being on and off what we normally do.”
To keep active during lockdown, Beth has been doing Peloton riding with close friend, and Europe’s Solheim Cup captain, Catriona Matthew (inset above).
They did one ride together to raise money for Doddie Weir’s Foundation and the American admits that Catriona has successfully turned her hand to cycling – like most things she tackles.
“Catriona does it all,” she said. “She’s an amazing golfer, she’s got her family and her determination with the bike is so impressive.
“When she puts her mind to something, she is determined to excel.
“Everyone I know adored her as captain at Gleneagles. She promoted good team spirit and listened to the players, and they all wanted to win for her in Scotland.
“She’s quiet, but sometimes in an individual sport like golf, that is a good thing. Putting your nose in someone else’s game is not always welcome.
“Then when you do speak, it carries more resonance.
“It would not surprise me if she led the Europeans to victory again in America this year. But it’s hard to know at this stage as so little golf has been played.”