Are you a sports person?

Feb 26 2008 by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Daily Post

No. I had no interest in sport until I started playing golf about 20 years ago. I still have no interest in sport, apart from golf.

Where did you hit your first golf ball?

Hoylake Municipal. My husband wanted me to play golf. I was not interested. I thought I would be no good because I was no good at sports. But I did agree to walk round with him and that was when I got bitten by golf. Then we joined Bidston together.

Are you a golf addict?

I think I was in the past. Some people would say I am an addict now. I play in the club team and I am keen. I watch golf on television and I think about golf, particularly with being lady captain in 2007. No, I do not buy golf magazines. But then, up to about a year ago, we had a shop and so I could look at golf magazines anyway.

How often to you play?

About four times a week. It depends on what’s on, if there is a knockout or there is a West Cheshire Shield game. I have played in that for about 15 years. Sometimes I might play fives times a week in the summer. Do I get tired? I think when you have done something, played golf, for so long you do build up your strength.

What would improve your game?

I think more practice, that as opposed to playing. I am a good chipper. People say I have a very lazy, big swing and it looks as if the ball is going to go for miles. But it seems to do well for me.

But putting is a weakness. Sometimes I can be really good. On other days I can three-putt. I tend to leave them short. Except today when I was a mile beyond the hole!

Greatest golf moment?

I think when I won the Lady Captain’s Prize for the first time. People follow you around the course in the final and, yes, I was nervous. But you have to conquer nerves. I did play well. It was a great day, high tea, speeches and you get presented with the prize. This past year, as lady captain, I saw it from the other side.

I have won the Lady Captain’s twice since then but I think, like other things in life, the first time is the greater achievement.

Do you have a golf moment you prefer to forget?

There must be. We all have bad days. But I cannot think of one.

Favourite golf course?

Wallasey and Royal Liverpool. I think they are very challenging. But it is not just links course. I like Eastham Lodge. I know it well and I just love it.

Who have you most admired in golf?

Tiger Woods. Everything he does is so good, marvellous. He is the one everyone would strive to be.

What was the best advice you were given?

Take lessons when you start so you do not get into bad habits.

As a champion what would be your tip to a beginner.

Lot of practice. The more you do the better you become. Also keep your head down.

Do you have a golf dream?

I would like to get my handicap down. Realistically, I do not think it will get much lower. I do not practice enough. I do not set myself golf targets to achieve. I think it you do that you put yourself under pressure. If it happens it does. I think if you are off a 16-17 handicap as the years go by you are doing well.