BERNARD GALLACHER ON GOLF

Georgia can do for the ladies what Jacklin did for the men

Georgia Hall’s win at the Ricoh Women’s British Open last Sunday made me rewind the clock almost 50 years. Her victory at Royal Lytham brought back memories of when Tony Jacklin became Open Champion at the same venue in 1969. Back then, British golf was in the doldrums. We had not had an Open winner since Max Faulkner in 1951, and we were beginning to feel inferior. Tony boosted everybody, and gave prestige to us fellow British golfers. He then inspired us to draw against the Americans at Royal Birkdale later that summer in the Ryder Cup. That is what I hope Georgia can do for female golf, both here and in Europe, after her special performance. She’ll be a pivotal player for Catriona Matthew at next year’s Solheim Cup at Gleneagles, and hopefully she can be an on-course leader as we try to win the Cup back. I remember Tony being followed by big galleries at Lytham, desperate for a home winner, and it was the same for Georgia. She took on the best players in the world and she beat them fair and square. Watching her take charge over the last few holes made for compulsive TV viewing, and her success received great Media attention. It was a wonderful story, with Georgia’s dad, Wayne, caddying for her. This was a triumph for the whole family. They’ve had to sacrifice a lot, but seeing their daughter holding the trophy on the 18th green would make it feel all worthwhile. Now Hall is a Major Champion. She can plan her schedule to play the best events on the LPGA Tour and still support things in Europe. We want her back over here as much as possible because she is the perfect role model to inspire young girls to take up our wonderful sport. She looks like the girl next door, and that is the best thing about her. With the great galleries and lovely weather – and, best of all, a 22-year-old British winner – women’s golf could not have asked for a better week. It would be a great DVD package to show any prospective sponsors what the ladies game is all about. The four days at Lytham were a terrific climax to a superb few weeks of links golf, which we’ve all enjoyed. The sunshine has played a big part. It has showcased the best of seaside golf and people have come out to attend. There is a real buzz about the game, and that has continued with the news that tickets for Friday, Saturday and Sunday have already sold out for The Open Royal Portrush next year. It’s fitting reward that The Open is returning to Northern Ireland after the successes of Darren Clarke and Rory McIlroy in lifting the Claret Jug. Portrush cannot wait to host our most-famous event, and that is why people are desperate to ensure they don’t miss the action.