LYTHAM ST ANNES, England – It’s become a tradition. Laura Davies’ annual meeting with the media at the Ricoh Women’s British Open is never one to disappoint. The Dame answers any and all questions that come her way, never holding back her true feelings, regardless of the topic.
Would she consider becoming European Solheim Cup captain?
“Looking after 12 players and you’ve gotta go and get them bananas and towels,” said the 12-time Solheim Cup team member. “It’s too much for me.”
Does she think green reading books should be banned?
“Banned,” the Dame said emphatically. “How they were ever allowed in the first place, I have no idea.”
What does she think about the qualifying system for the LPGA Tour Hall of Fame? She’s currently two points shy of qualifying.
“Oh I love it. Anything you vote on I’m not that big a fan of,” Davies said. “Twenty-seven points is the magic number and if you don’t get it you’re not in the Hall of Fame and that’s fair enough.”
In July, Davies’ victory at the inaugural U.S. Senior Women’s Open reignited the Hall of Fame watch, as a major victory on Sunday at Royal Lytham & St Annes would get her the last two points necessary to qualify. Otherwise, she’d need two more wins on the LPGA Tour. She would earn a point for each victory. Davies nearly picked up a critical point in March at the Bank of Hope Founders Cup where she finished runner-up.
“If I’d have won in Phoenix, I’d now only be one away, which would be every week you’d have a crack at it,” Davies said. “I’d like to get in that position so that you had a chance every week to do that. That’s something I’ve always wanted to do. That’s why I’m probably here still trying.”
Davies concedes that winning isn’t as easy as it was when she started on Tour in 1988. But three weeks ago, she made it look easy as she cruised to a 10-stroke victory at the U.S. Senior Women’s Open at Chicago Golf Club. Getting her first victory in six years gave the veteran a boost heading into her 38th Women’s British Open.
“Wherever you win, whatever tour you win on, it’s good for your confidence. There’s no question,” said Davies. “The pressure is the same. Winning is the hardest thing to do.”
If the World Golf Hall of Fame member could do the hardest thing on Sunday, the major champion would win her first Ricoh Women’s British Open title and therefore qualify for the toughest Hall of Fame in sports. And she believes her game is in a place to get it done. She’s shown that twice this season with her close call in Phoenix and her victory in Chicago.
“I’m hitting it well this week and putting really well,” said Davies. “Ready to go and try and do well in the major.”
Dame Laura Davies, the Ricoh Women’s British Open champion? Imagine what she might have to say about that.
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