NOTHING CAN BEAT SAUSAGE GOLF ROLL AND PUTTER
World No.1 Ko and Open champ Nordqvist are gearing up for tough test on Dundonald Links.. by eating all their favourite Scottish foods
SAUSAGE rolls and fish suppers were on the menu at Dundonald ahead of the Women’s Scottish Open teeing off today.
World No.1 Jin-young Ko and reigning British Women’s Open champ Anna Nordqvist revealed they can’t get enough of traditional Scottish cuisine.
South Korean Ko was hooked after just one bite of the pastry delicacy while Swede Nordqvist likes nothing better than a chippie.
Ko said: “I didn’t know about sausage rolls until the Pro-Am at the British Open in 2019.
“But I had one bite with brown sauce and it was so good.
“We don’t have sausage rolls in Korea but I’ve already had two this week at the course.
“Someone told me that a haggis roll is also nice.”
Nordqvist added: “I love fish and chips but I can’t eat them anywhere but here.”
The 35-year-old three-time Major champ was introduced to the delicacy by husband-to-be Kevin McAlpine, son of former Dundee United goalie Hamish.
But it isn’t just our food she enjoys – Nordqvist appears to be a fan of most things Scottish, especially links golf.
She said: “I love coming here. There’s just something about the atmosphere. It’s nice to get some fresh air and a little bit cooler temperatures than we’ve had the last couple months.
“Links golf is different. You have to adjust a little bit to the wind and bounces.
“But there’s just something about it I really love.”
Nordqvist admits it might be difficult to remain entirely focused on events this week ahead of her British Open defence. She recently revisited the scene of her triumph at Carnoustie 12 months ago and added: “That brought back a lot of good memories.
“I’m excited about next week as defending champion.
“It’s probably the greatest honour being a European golfer and adding my name to that trophy.
“I’m just very grateful. It was a childhood dream for me. As a European golfer, it’s the championship we all want to contend in. To go and win it, it still feels pretty surreal. Teeing up as the defending champion, that’s something I’m very proud of and no one can take that away from me. I’m going to go and enjoy it.”
The Queen of Scandinavian golf will defend her crown next week at Muirfield, which she has yet to set eyes on.
She said: “I don’t know what to expect as I’ve never played this course.
“But I think just enjoying being back in Scotland and playing links golf, soaking it all in, I’m pretty good at staying in the moment.” She has been given an insight into what faces her from her other half after confirming former pro Kevin has spoken to her about the venue.
She added: “He’s played it once. I’ve heard bits and pieces but it’s always different depending on someone who hits it a little bit off line and might think it’s very narrow or very wide. I’m looking forward to seeing it for myself.”
Nordqvist has another big date in her diary – her wedding at a secret venue immediately following the British Open.
She said: “Kevin was born in Dundee, so it’s very close to there and Carnoustie. My mind is a little bit everywhere at the moment but we’ve been planning this since December 2018 when we got engaged.
“It’s been postponed for two years because of Covid. I’ve had my dress for almost three years now so I hope it still fits.”