ROCKBOTTOM FORTOURBUT ONLYWAYISUP
CARLY BOOTH is hoping the Ladies European Tour has hit “rock bottom” as she looks to soar on home soil.
The Scots golfer will bid to emulate her 2012 Scottish Open triumph later this month at Gullane before The Open calls at Carnoustie.
While playing in front of a home crowd offers all the motivation needed, Booth admits not having a week-to-week Tour schedule isn’t helping
The 26-year-old, who at 17 was the youngest Scot to qualify for the Tour, said: “We’ve had a few confirmed tournaments so it’s looking more positive for 2019.
“I’d hope to say this was our rock-bottom year for the Tour – these things take a bit of time so we’ll start to see improvements for next year then we have the Solheim Cup.
“After that hopefully we’ll see a massive change in our schedule.”
A lack of events and the world ranking points they bring means Booth has a slim chance of teeing up at Gleneagles next month for the first European Golf Team Championships.
Even so, the world No.506 from Comrie reckons the event – which will see men and women compete together for equal prize money – can usher in a new dawn.
Booth, an ambassador for the championships, said: “Having the women play for equal money – and we’re literally equals throughout the week – is massive for us.
“We’re not there yet but this is the first step.”
Gleneagles hosting the Solheim Cup next year may boost the Europeans field, although the fact the men’s US PGA is the same week means their top stars are likely to miss out.
Booth said: “This may be a similar case to the Rio Olympics – some of the best golfers didn’t go. We’re still going to get some of the best in the world.”