Former AIG Women’s Open champion Georgia Hall said the return of the British Open to St Andrews would be a “big test of links” and made it a “priority” ahead of a busy summer of women’s golf.
Hall, who made her major breakthrough at Royal Lytham six years ago, is excited about the challenge of this year’s AIG Women’s Open.
This will be the first major event held in St Andrews since a major renovation of the historic R&A Clubhouse.
“It’s the birthplace of golf and it’s my favorite place,” said Hall, speaking at a media day at St Andrews for this year’s edition from August 22-25 – live on Sky Sports Golf. “I love being here and I think it’s going to be a great major championship.”
“I think the crowd will be phenomenal,” Hall, 28, said. “I know the R&A will make the course a great test for us and I hope we get some wind so it’s a real sort of bonding test for everyone involved.
“It will be great from a personal point of view to have my family and friends come and support me, which I don’t have a lot of on the LPGA.”
Hall, who first played at St Andrews as an amateur, says the place brings back fond memories: “I was 16, it was a long time ago, but winning the silver medal and having my dad caddy for me was pretty special. But when the wind blows, this course can get pretty tough.
“I also remember the first two rounds where I was paired with Laura Davies, so she’s just a British idol. It was a great experience for me. It’s pretty special and it can’t happen enough quickly.”
“What I learned is that it’s very difficult to win a major tournament. You can’t go back on a Sunday,” Hall added. “The bowling is hidden, but everyone wants to win here more than just a normal Open just because St Andrews is the home of golf.
“Links golf suits me more than any other type of golf. You have to be natural and have some sort of imagination around the greens and they are a lot slower here too, which suits me.
“I’m just going to prepare as much as I can. I’ve got to improve my putting and just be in a good frame of mind.
“It’s a priority. It’s the biggest event in women’s golf.”
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