LADIES: Sarah Stirk Exclusive

What is your current handicap and has it come down since starting at Setanta?
I am still off eight so I haven't moved in the last year as I have been all over the place with filming. I also took part in quite a few charity and corporate events, which are brilliant, but stop me playing in many medals at my home club, Magnolia Park, in Buckinghamshire. This year I would love to get down to six by the end of the year.

How did you get into golf?
I took it up quite late after university. I played a lot of tennis when I was younger, and got a scholarship to America, but a shoulder injury cut short any chance of pursuing that. I liked the competitive side of golf and soon got the bug after numerous stays with my uncle who lives at Gleneagles.

The Queen's course there is one of my favourite places in the world.

Do you get lessons from some of the other members of the Setanta team?
Working on our magazine programme, Out of Bounds, I had loads of tips last year but almost too many. At one point my head was a mess. I have lessons with the Oxfordshire county ladies' coach John Cook, who I play for, and he is brilliant.

What is the best tip you have had?
One I had fairly recently has been particularly handy when I have a wedge in my hands. I have never thought of releasing my hands through the ball so I was told to imagine I was playing a forehand topspin tennis shot which helps to use your right hand more.

Which are the strongest and weakest parts of your game?
My iron play is my strength but I still struggle on the greens. I don't hole enough putts from 10 to 15 feet and need to be more aggressive.

What are the top three courses you have played?
The European, south of Dublin, would have to be in there. I also got to play at Bay Hill, home of the Arnold Palmer Invitational, last year and that was unbelievable and the Old at Sunningdale is another special place.

So, if you had to say one, would you prefer links or parkland then?
Links.

Do you think more younger women are now getting into the game?
A lot of my friends, who are in their mid to late twenties, now play and the fashion side is so good at the moment with the likes of Stella McCartney getting involved with Adidas. Golf is now seen as being really cool and has some high-profile role models like Zara Phillips. Obviously it is also good for fitness and being out in the fresh air is more enjoyable than working out for an hour. Where I play it is also really inclusive with mixed games twice a week and that really helps too.

What about women playing on the men's tour?
I'm not a big fan of it. It has never really come off and the professional men and women are playing a different game.

Di Stewart has a similar role with Sky Sports, have you ever played her and,if so, who won?
I've never even met her or seen her hit a shot. I think she is off 10 or 11 so I'd like to think I would just about get the better of her... off scratch at least.

Do you think Setanta Sports will televise a Major in the next few years?
The best chance I think we've got is the US Open. I don't think the Masters will ever leave the BBC to be honest and I think everybody agrees it would be great to have one more big event. Obviously we have got the Players and the FedEx Cup and Tour Championship but to have the US Open would be brilliant and it would fit in perfectly with our PGA Tour coverage.

What did you make of the inaugural FedEx Cup?
There were a few things wrong with it but it was the first year and it a radical change to the calendar. The bottom line was to try and get more of the top players playing more regularly and it did. This year with the scheduling and break for the Ryder Cup it will be even better.


How would you quickly sum up the rest of the Setanta team?

Ronan Rafferty - endless enthusiasm and superb all-round knowledge.

Ken Brown - hilarious. Very professional but has everyone in fits when off camera.

Philip Parkin - brilliant to work with, has a bit of a reputation for being a bit of a character and is.

Jay Townsend - never afraid to say what he thinks. Likes hunting and is so American so gets his leg pulled a fair bit.

What is the weirdest assignment you had to do for 'Out of Bounds', the golf magazine programme you also present?
Last year we did a par-three challenge with an Elvis impersonator, who had the whole outfit and gold rings, which was quite strange. Otherwise, last summer I played 18 holes, all on different courses in London, which was different to say the least.

Who was your hardest interview last year?
Probably Tiger. This was my first post-round interview for Setanta and he had just shot 75. I have learnt, from watching others, not to start off with a negative question. The last thing the world No 1 wants to hear is some interviewer telling him how badly he has played.

And the easiest?
Davis Love III is great and I also love Steve Stricker. I found that the Americans just want to talk more.

Did you get to play the course and if so how did you get on at the famous 17th?
We didn't get the chance to play Sawgrass as it was too close to the championship. If I had to play off the men's tee, which is 145 yards, I would probably hit a six iron to make sure I get the distance. From the ladies' it would be an eight.

Finally, who would be in your dream fourball?
Tiger Woods, obviously. I would love to play a round with David Beckham and would have another woman, Madonna, to make up the four. Tiger and I could take them on!

Sarah Stirk is member of the Setanta Golf team having worked at the BBC and
Sky Sports following a BSc in Sports Science at Loughborough University.