My first pro title defence

IWILL break new ground in a few weeks’ time as I defend a title for the very first time as a pro. As I sit here now I’m trying to imagine what it will be like.

It’s not easy to do.I’m trying to think how others go about defending their title and what is the right thing to do. Playing well is a good start of course!

But, in addition, would it be appreciated if I got even more involved in the tournament than a normal event? Or would that feel like I was being too big for my boots?

What I can say is that no matter what I go on to achieve in the ladies’ game, the Ladies English Open will always have a special place in my heart.

My first win on tour had been quite a long time coming, considering the consistency I had shown in the two previous season, so it was certainly a relief to finally win.

It was also so special to do it in Britain, with my parents by the 18th green when I closed out the long-awaited victory.

As the tournament grows closer memories of last year continue to flood back. I shall certainly never forget that soaking in champagne I got at the hands of two of my best friends on tour!

I’ve known Lynn Kenny and Dani Masters for years having played lots of amateur golf with them and it was great that they were also there to celebrate my joy.

Having said that, I’m not sure the greenkeeper at Chart Hills will have appreciated some champagne all over his 18th green!

That’s perhaps enough reflection on what went before. Although it’s difficult not to get carried away with such good memories.

I will relish carrying these into the tournament – even if it’s not at the same venue as last year.

In some ways it will be a shame that I won’t be defending at Chart  Hills. Not least because I won’t be able to check if the 18th green managed to stand up to the dowsing in champers it got 12 months ago!

It would have been nice to relive the memories on each hole but it’s also exciting to be going to play on a new course.

Also, I never managed to get to grips with that drive on the 18th hole so I won’t miss that!

Otherwise, I really enjoyed the Chart Hills course and would welcome a tour event returning there any day.

I’ve heard nothing but good reports about The Oxfordshire and also that it is likely to suit my game. Long, accurate hitting is required, apparently – and that suits me just fine.

Firstly, with water a strong feature on several holes, you need to be able to fly the ball all the way. Secondly, it is quite an exposed piece of land, so I’m told the conditions are rarely dead calm.

And thirdly, there are some very strong holes back towards the clubhouse that require good, strong hitting.

I’m pretty happy with my game as I approach the defence of my title. I thought I played well on my American Major debut but alas missed the cut.

It’s been that kind of year so far. I’m nearly playing really well. The changes I’ve made just haven’t totally been engrained yet.

We’re talking two per cent off – but that’s all it takes to not be at the top.

I played pretty well at the Ladies’ Scottish Open at The Carrick. It was nice to get some good weather up there this year as there’s no doubt the course and the surroundings really come into their own when there is a bit of sun beaming down.

I suppose you can say the same for any course but there are few finer sights in golf than water glistening off Loch Lomond’s rippling waters as you play your way around the stretch of holes between 14 and 16.

Playing at The Carrick confirmed to me, as if it were needed, that the area I want to improve on most is probably my short irons. I just don’t feel I’m hitting them close enough and giving myself the birdie chances I should.

When you are hitting the ball well off the tee – and getting it down to short-iron range – you really want to be making the most of it.

Perhaps a return to a tournament which will always be special to me will see me hit the perfect note this season. Let’s hope so!