Winning US Open changed my life... and got me on Question of Sport! TheBIG ASK
It is 33 years since Dame Laura Davies enjoyed a breakthrough win in the US Women’s Open – a victory which changed her life. Here, speaking to Gideon Brooks, she reflects on a changed landscape and looks forward to a big month.
Q AIt was to me. I had gone out to New Jersey pretty much on a holiday with my dad. My brother was caddying for me and it was like a family trip.
I had played the year before and finished ninth so I knew I could play at that level but never in my wildest dreams did I think I would win it. However, I held on in an 18- hole play- off.
Q
NOT QUITE THE ATTENTION THAT SURROUNDS THE GAME NOW THOUGH? A
It was a lot more low key but it was a big deal for me. I had borrowed money off my mum and stepdad to start on the tour in 1985 but I got $ 55,000 for winning and bought my first house on the strength of it.
It might not sound like a lot now but I felt like a millionaire and it changed my life. I was able to get myself on the LPGA tour out there, get exemptions and that was it.
Q
DID IT TURN YOU INTO A HOUSEHOLD NAME?
A
It got me on Question of Sport, which was a lifetime ambition of mine!
Q
YOU HAVE ALWAYS BEEN A SPORT OBSESSIVE AND YOU ARE SOMETHING OF A LIVERPOOL SUPERFAN?
AAI just love all sport. I have three TVs in You have your big hitters in the my living room so I can watch three women’s game driving 280 yards- plus games at once! People think I am mad but but the way courses are set up they don’t once they are here and involved in it they really favour super- long hitters. Par fives at love it too. about 540- 550 can be bullied by men but I was born in Coventry but I watched are still two big hits for women. Unless they Liverpool lose the Cup Final to Arsenal change the way they set courses up I don’t when I was seven and felt sorry for them. really see a reason or the benefit for a girl That turned into an obsession. to be immensely long off the tee.
Q Q
BACK TO THE GOLF, BRYSON WHAT CHANCES A BRIT EMULATING YOU DECHAMBEAU HAS HIT THE HEADLINES AND WINNING THE WOMEN’S US OPEN IN FOR BULLYING COURSES WITH HIS PHYSIQUE. HOUSTON NEXT WEEK?
COULD THAT HAPPEN IN THE WOMEN’S
A
GAME? Georgia Hall is playing very nicely and won in Portland earlier in the year, Charley Hull can obviously contend and one who has been playing really well all summer is Mel Reid. They have all got a chance if they bring their best to the table.
Laura Davies will be commentating for Sky Sports on the Women’s US Open in Houston ( Dec 10- 13) and CME Group Tour Championship in Florida ( Dec 17- 20)