INTERVIEW: Charlie Douglass exclusive
Joe Whitley speaks to one of England's leading amateurs about learning to play, turning pro - and her Question of Sport ambition...
How old were you when you took up the game?
I first picked up a club when I was 10. I used to play my local par 3 with my grandad, who didn’t have a clue – he used to tee off with a putter!
What was your first 18-hole score and how does it compare to your last outing?
My first score was 143 at Stevenage and I’ve still got the scorecard! My last outing was less than half of that score, a four-under 69 at my home club (Brocket Hall)!
What is the highlight of your career to date?
It’s difficult to choose just one career highlight. Representing England for the first time in 2007 was very special because there’s no greater honour than playing for your country but I don’t think anything quite compares to the feeling of winning the English Women’s Amateur Championship this year - that was just phenomenal!
I also loved representing England at the 2009 European Amateur Ladies Team Championship where we won a silver medal.
You’ve just been named in the 2010 Curtis Cup squad. How does it feel and what are you going to do to cement your place?
Getting named in the squad was brilliant and I’m going to do my utmost to make it into the final team of eight. I want to win at least one more ‘Major’, and play in the European and World Amateur Team Championships in the next year to impress the selectors.
Do you plan to turn pro and what is your career goal?
I’ll be going to the LET Tour School in 2010 and, ultimately, my career goal is to be one of the best lady golfers in the world, winning Majors and playing in plenty of Solheim Cups!
When I finish my playing career I’d like to get involved in team management for England Girls/Women’s Golf.
One day, I’d also like to be on ‘A Question of Sport’ – I’ve always wanted to do that!
How does it feel to be England’s best lady amateur this year?
Winning the EWGA Order of Merit is a fantastic feeling because it shows consistency over a season, which is something I’ve really been working hard at.
I have struggled with my strokeplay rounds in the past but this year I’ve been reaping the rewards of hard work and have had some pretty good finishes in the top tournaments.
What would you say is the strongest part of your game?
I’d say the strongest part of my game is holing crucial putts from about six feet and in – the kind of putts that save par when you’re not having such a good day on the course and the ones for birdie when you’re pin-seeking!
What is your favourite course?
Royal Porthcawl in south Wales is by far my favourite course
It is just the most beautiful setting and I’d recommend anyone who gets the chance to go and play there. Lindrick will also be a favourite of mine forever because that’s where I won the English Women’s Amateur Championship – I don’t think you ever forget your first big win.
What is your favourite golfing memory?
A couple of years ago I played in the South East Ladies Championship at West Sussex, also known as Pulborough.
The 1st and 2nd holes there are both par 5s. I made an albatross on the first, and lipped out for an albatross on the second straight afterwards. I don’t think, as long as I play, I’ll ever beat an albatross-eagle start!
Where do you see yourself in 10 years’ time?
In 10 years’ time I’d love to be on the LPGA Tour, with a few Majors under my belt and just enjoying life on the golf course.
2009 EWGA Order of Merit
1 Charlie Douglass (Brocket Hall)
2 Rachel Jennings (Izaak Walton)
3 Hannah Barwood (Knowle)
4 Jodi Ewart (Catterick)
5 Holly Clyburn (Woodhall Spa)
6 Rachel Connor (Manchester)
7 Cori Lee (West Lancashire)
8 Charlotte Wild (Mere)
9 Charlotte Ellis (Min’hampton)
10 Emma Brown (Malton & Norton)
About Charlie
Born: 14th March 1989, Stevenage
Club: Brocket Hall, Herts
Handicap: +1
2009 EWGA Order of Merit: 1st
Record round: 66 (-6 at Liphook)
Dream fourball: “Seve Ballesteros, Sergio Garcia and Happy Gilmore – pure quality!”
What’s in the bag?
Driver: Titleist 909 D2 10.5˚
Fairways: Titleist 909 F2 18.5˚ and 15.5˚
Irons: Titleist AP2 3-PW
Wedges: Titleist 09 Vokey 52˚, 56˚, 60˚
Putter: TaylorMade Monte Carlo CS
Ball: Titleist Pro V1