We’re teeing off into an inspiring interview with Amy Walsh, the Bolton-born golf star currently playing on the Ladies European Tour.
Sponsored by Clearview Home Improvements, Amy brings her A-game both on and off the course, showing resilience, dedication, and a love for the sport that started back in her early childhood days.
Now residing in Australia, Amy reflects on her career highlights, challenges, and the unwavering support from her family and friends right here in the North West and abroad.
How did you get started in golf, and who were your early influences?
I started around age 7 when my Dad took my sister and me to junior group lessons on a Saturday morning but I started playing properly when I was about 10. There was quite a good group of juniors at my club so it was great to be able to encourage each other.
At what age did you realise you wanted to pursue golf professionally?
I would say as soon as I started to play and get my handicap it became a goal to become a professional. There was a Ladies European Tour event that was played 5 minutes from my home course which inspired me to want to play in it and be a tour player.
What has been the most memorable moment of your career so far?
It’s hard to choose one moment but it felt like a dream come true to be able to play in my home event, The Australian Ladies Masters on the Gold Coast. Of course it would’ve been even better to achieve my real dream of winning it! But I got to compete in it I think two or three times before it was no longer on our schedule.
Can you tell us about your first professional win? How did it feel?
Unfortunately in golf it’s very difficult to win and players can have great careers without ever lifting a trophy. I did have a win on an unofficial tour in New Zealand which was a small, mixed field with the men. It was a good experience early on in my career but not one that I count as a win. Hopefully a few will be on the way on a bigger stage!
What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced in your career?
I have faced a few challenges in my career. It’s tough being so far from home at times, during COVID I couldn’t go home for 15 months but I’m fortunate to have family and loved ones in the UK to support me. The biggest issue that most of us face, particularly in the women’s game, is financial stress. We have to book and pay for everything ourselves, with any prize money going back in the pot to pay for the next event. It can be very tough going at times but we all have to do what we can to make it work.
How do you handle pressure during high-stakes tournaments?
The mental side of the game is now where I focus most of my energy. I do a lot of work with my sports psychologist and have really learnt a lot the past year or so. I’ve dealt with some pretty crippling anxiety on the golf course so it’s been nice to see some progress being made and managing to get my way back to the Ladies European Tour. Different things work for different people so it’s been a lot about being myself and being ok with certain feelings that come my way.
Who are your role models in golf, and what have you learned from them?
My favourite golfer has always been Dame Laura Davies. She is a brilliant person who has always done things her own way. I’ve met her since turning pro and she is as awesome as I always thought.
Is there a particular golfer whose career you admire and why?
I always admired whoever was the best at the time but one that comes to mind is Inbee Park. She’s just so good, with an unorthodox technique, she clearly has such belief in what she can do. Even when she stopped playing so much, she could still turn up every now and then and seriously compete.
How do you see the future of golf evolving, and what role do you want to play in it?
There is a big divide going on in professional golf at the minute that I hope gets sorted and doesn’t bleed too far into the women’s game but in general I think there’s a boom in growth that needs to be capitalised on. Younger people getting into golf is massive and I’d like to start sharing more online what I do, which might interest people starting out in the game.
What advice would you give to young, aspiring golfers?
Listen to others but trust yourself. You have to work hard but it needs to be on the right things.
From the early days of junior group lessons to the prestigious stages of the Ladies European Tour happening right now, Amy’s story is a testament to passion, perseverance, and the support of loved ones. We’re proud to sponsor such a dedicated and inspiring athlete.
We wish Amy all the best as she continues to drive forward in her career, aiming for new milestones and sharing her love for golf with the next generation.
Keep an eye out for our updates on social media as Amy as she swings for success and, no doubt, continues to make a significant impact both on and off the course.
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