If it were to happen this season a win for Beth Allen would be one of the most popular.
The 33-year-old offers something different to the Ladies’ European Tour. While the plan for the very best is to make their way across the Atlantic to the riches of the LPGA Tour, Allen has done it in reverse joining the LET in 2008 after three years playing in the States. She now lives in Edinburgh and plays at Falkirk where the club have made her particularly welcome.
In 2014 she enjoyed her best season finishing 8th on the Money List after six top 10s. A win, you might think, is just around the corner. All of which is more impressive given that the Californian donated a kidney to her brother in 2011.
What do you put your best season down to last year?
A little bit of everything, experience helps and I have been more consistent with the high finishes. My confidence has picked up and it was very satisfying to finish the season strongly after a slow point in the middle.
How strong is the LET today?
The new commissioner has had a lot of great ideas and it is exciting that he has a lot of background in other sports. He is working hard to get more events and TV deals, in the next five years I expect it to get even better.
I would have played against her in the final but got beaten pretty badly! Winning the last two Solheim Cups has helped to gain more respect for the Tour.
Who do you support in the Solheim?
I support my friends! Ryder Cup wise it’s America through and through, the Solheim is a bit different.
Who were your peers when you were growing up in the States?
Paula Creamer is from California so I saw her a lot and we came through Q School the same year. I got to the semi-finals of the Public Links when Michelle Wie won. She was super famous even then and I remember being happy that she won as there was so much pressure on her. She has always been such a nice girl and so gracious. I would have played against her in the final but got beaten pretty badly!
How would you describe your time on the LPGA Tour?
I played the 2005-07 seasons and went back to Q School each year. I always got through it but I was constantly struggling and wanted a change and didn’t want to play the Symetra Tour. My goal was to make some money rather than get on the LPGA Tour. Mardi Lunn was playing in the States at the same time and said that I should give Europe a go.
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My best friend and I went to Q School and got through. I played both tours in 2008 and lost my card in America again and so decided to commit to Europe.
How tough a breeding ground is the LPGA Tour?
People always say that LPGA isn’t that friendly but it’s not really like that. In Europe we have to be nice to each other, we all stay in the same hotel and we get transport together!
In America it’s different but I do enjoy the different cultures, I love travelling and am laid back so it’s a good fit. Last season I didn’t go home at all through the season, I will definitely be doing the same this year, and not living out of a suitcase.
For part two of the interview click here
