An Interview With Breanne Loucks
1) You came through tour school last winter. What was the experience like?
You get hit with a lot of emotions, it was more the apprehension before the event. I’d prepared well but for the first nine holes of my first round I was so nervous, it was ridiculous. I was lucky to get the ball round the golf course.
2) It’s possibly one of the toughest tests in golf, how did you cope with that?
I’d played well all week but wasn’t getting rewarded for it. On the last day I thought ‘the course just owes me too much now’. I had to be patient and in the last 11 holes I ripped it up when I really needed it.
3) You had five birdies in that stretch which was the difference between getting your card and not. What was the catalyst?
I had a dodgy ruling on the 7th hole where I was pretty sure my ball had gone in the water but a rules official thought it had gone in a bush and when we couldn’t find it I had to go back to the tee. I was so angry but I thought nothing can test me any more now, it was a strange feeling and it helped me to relax. It was a big turning point.
4) What is the biggest thing you have taken from the experience?
Tour school brings out both the good and bad in people’s games, it’s such a huge test and proves you are good enough to be on tour. It’s really encouraging to cope with all the horrible things that are thrown at you and I feel confident I can cope with anything now.
5) A few people expected you to turn pro a little earlier. Why did you wait until now?
Some people wanted me to turn pro in 2006 but I just wasn’t ready. The important thing was to win and I finally did in 2008. I also had a lot to learn about travelling on my own and doing things for myself so I was financially prepared to go out on tour.
6) How special was it to round off your amateur career in the Curtis Cup at St Andrews?
I really wanted to play in that event and I don’t think another Curtis Cup could top the two I’ve played in. Both were very different, very cool, very special and unbelievable experiences, but it was the right time to walk away from amateur golf.
7) How have you found the transition between being an amateur and a pro?
I played my first pro event at the end of February in a small Asian event (DLF Women’s Indian Open) and it was pretty cool, but I didn’t feel any different. My first event will be the Swiss Open. I’m friends with Mel Reid so we’re going to be travelling to the first three events together. I think I’ll be alright, but I’m sure I’ll be nervous.
8) What are you looking forward to most?
The excitement of really getting to know myself, my game and how I can improve. I want to be the best I can be and the really exciting thing is, if I put everything into it, the chance that in 10 years or so I could be No 1 in the world. I’m also looking forward to being more independent, flying out to different countries and being more in control.
9) How do you relax away from golf?
I love shopping and going out with my friends when I’m home because they are all at university. I love cooking and when I get a break it’s nice to be a bit naughty and cook some yummy things. I’ve also done a bit of modelling for Icon Hairdressing down in South Wales. I loved it and it’s nice to feel glamorous and get your hair and make-up done and wear nice clothes.
** Picture courtesy of Dafydd Rhys and Icon Hairdressing, Liberty Stadium, Swansea.
See www.icon-hairdressing.com for more information