March 26, 2021 • 53 mins
Special guest Sophie Walker, former professional player on the Ladies European Tour and now an analyst with Sky Sports and BBC Five Live joins us to preview golf's very first major of the season.
The Ladies Professional Golf Association (the LPGA) has its first major championship on April 1 - 4th, 2021. Held each year at the Dinah Shore Tournament Course at the Mission Hills Resort in Rancho Mirage (Palm Springs, California), it traditionally provides exciting events and the 2020 championship is proof of that.
Reigning Champion, Mirim Lee made an Eagle on the 72nd hole of the tournament to tie two of the LPGA's biggest stars in Brooke Henderson and Nelly Korda. Lee won the championship on the first playoff hole to produce one of the more stunning finishes in the ANA's history.
This year, she is back to defend against the best players in all of women's golf. Sophie Walker shares her unique perspective with us as we preview the course, the infamous "Blue Wall", and the players to watch for.
If you are in a fantasy golf pool, you will definitely not want to miss this episode.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Douglas Maida (00:12):
Good afternoon and welcome to our show. We're
talking golf. My name is DouglasMaida and I'm your host for this
show.
Well, it has definitely been aslow start to the golf season.
But now that we are officiallyinto springtime, things are
beginning to heat up. And thatcan only mean one thing in the
golf world, the start of majorseason. Of course, for many that
(00:33):
means the Masters where some ofgold small story traditions
began. For the LPGA however, itis the ANA Inspiration, which is
the first major of the entiregolf season. So today's show
will focus on the ANAInspiration, which starts next
week. Joining me today will beSophie Walker, who has been a
(00:54):
regular guest on our show. Inour first segment, we'll be
reviewing some of the Gulfaction from this past weekend on
the PGA and European tours. Andthen in our second segment, we
will focus on the LPGA and thean inspiration. Or for many of
you who will recall what hastraditionally been known as the
dinosaur classic. Now before weget to that, we have a message
(01:17):
from our sponsor.
Amy (Studio) (01:19):
Today's show is being recorded from our studio
in beautiful Vancouver, BritishColumbia. We are produced by the
world of golf. You can find uson the worldwide web at www dot
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(01:42):
Asia and elsewhere, you can alsofollow us on Weibo and WeChat.
We are proud to announce thatwe're talking golf has been
recognized as one of the top 40PGA and LPGA golf podcasts to
follow in 2021. Now, back to ourshow. Here is your host, Douglas
maeder.
Douglas Maida (02:03):
We're back. Thank you for staying with us. I'd
like to take this time to thankyou, our listeners and followers
from around the world who listento our show on a regular basis.
Without you we would not be ableto bring you this show. So thank
you again for your continuedsupport. Now in the world of
golf this past weekend, the PGATour continued with its Florida
(02:24):
swing, having played the ArnoldPalmer classic a few weeks ago,
and just this past weekend,finished up the Honda classic in
Palm Beach at the PGA national,where Matt Jones had broken
wings drought, with acomfortable five shot margin of
victory. The European tour wasalso an auction at the Kenya
open. And we'll discuss that ina little bit with Sophie. Now
(02:46):
joining us on zoom fromManchester England is Sophie
Walker. For our regularlisteners, you will know Sophie
as a former professional playeron the ladies European tour. And
now as an analyst with SkySports in the UK. Welcome back
to the show. Sophie.
Sophie Walker (03:00):
Hey, thanks for having me.
Douglas Maida (03:03):
Our pleasure, her pleasure. So you're getting a
little bit of the golf bug,which I'm quite sure as you're a
lockdown situation in the UK iscoming to an end very quickly.
Probably not quickly enough.
Sophie Walker (03:15):
Oh, lockdown is nowhere near and then we're just
going to be allowed outside.
Yeah, lockdown doesn't end tillJuly. Maybe? Um, yeah. The Gulf
will be open in England as ofMonday the 29th. And, yeah, it's
more annoying that it's open inScotland or Wales already. So
you're seeing people on the golfcourse. But yeah, you know, it's
(03:39):
it's one of those things it's wecan't do anything about it now.
When it when Boris announcedthat in January, four months
seemed a long, long time away.
So what's a couple more days,right?
Douglas Maida (03:53):
Yeah, I saw I can't remember where I saw it.
One website or somebody onInstagram had both done they had
a countdown clock on till tillthe courses opening in England.
So yeah, I thought that wasrather cute. So Sophie, you're
quite a busy person. Let's chata little bit about some of your
(04:17):
other activities. I know you'redoing some work with golf a lot.
You're doing some some work onfantasy golf pools and things of
that nature.
Sophie Walker (04:26):
Yeah. So fantasy golf is with the European tour.
So they have a race to Dubai,just like most all seem to have
now. So that's what theirs iscalled. And they have a fantasy
race to Dubai as well. Sosimilar to the PGA Tour one,
it's maybe a little bit moresimpler. You just pick six
(04:48):
eligible players. So forinstance, when it's World Golf
Championships, everyone wouldlove to pick Dustin Johnson, but
he's not a member of theEuropean tours. They have to
pick members of the Europeantour. So Myself and Kate
Alexander. Every week we do ourexpert picks and do a YouTube
video and just talk through whatwho would suggest why would
(05:12):
suggest them we kind of do allthe hard work for people and and
then you pick your six and youdon't have to pick. You don't
have like a transfer Kitty, youcan pick anyone.
So yeah, you can just pick thebest players on the world
ranking if you want or you canpick your, you know, your
favorite ones. That's been good.
And then golf a lot is a reviewchannel. It's owned by how did I
(05:33):
do, which is a app over herethat you book your tee times on
basically, and they help rungolf courses in general, as in
the tills locker rooms. Youknow, like when you have a card
that you put all your stuff onthe on the card. So yeah, that's
pretty cool golf that's reallytaken off this last year. It's
(05:56):
nice that they've got meinvolved. We're doing some
women's golf club reviews, whichI don't think enough companies
maybe do and especially now thebig manufacturers are actually
yeah, taking note, I suppose andthat the big manufacturers are
producing the kit. So it's upfor tours to kind of get it out
(06:17):
there.
Douglas Maida (06:20):
So who would your picks be at the WCG this week,
if you don't mind me asking?
Sophie Walker (06:24):
Well, interesting. Like, it wasn't
Justin Thomas. And that is agood thing because he is getting
pretty badly beat right now. Soyeah, there's been a couple of
groups of death. So but I didhave Jon Rahm to bounce back. I
felt like Obviously, these notpotted very well, but everything
(06:44):
else has been pretty solid. Soyeah, Jon Rahm was one. You
can't pick Speith I don't thinkbut. And then, Bryson, you know,
what I like about Bryson is theycares? Like it is. Sometimes we
match play, you can get thatdown that you just kind of give
up. Or if you're missing acourt, you can just give up. But
(07:06):
I feel like that is a good thingthat Bryson has his mentality.
He never lets himself lethimself down if you know what I
mean. Yeah, for us, for hisbritse. And Rory struggles,
quite difficult. But hey, youknow, as long as he wins the
Masters, we're all happy, right?
Douglas Maida (07:28):
Yes, I'm sure that will be quite the
celebration. That would be quitethe celebration for sure. What
about somebody like PatrickReed? Is he still a member of
the European tour?
Sophie Walker (07:39):
Yeah, he's in my team. And somebody that just is
born for match play. So Iactually picked Ryan Palmer as
well, just because he's playedreally solid this year. Like,
he's a good player, Ryan Palmer,and they just need guys that are
going to hang around likeconsistent players. Because you
know, you're playing Wednesdayto Sunday. So that's wings. Got
(08:01):
it.
Douglas Maida (08:02):
How does it work?
If you don't mind me asking --for a match play situation like
this? I mean, do you pick acertain group and you accumulate
points? And then whoever?
Sophie Walker (08:13):
No, no, it's just straight. It's not it's just so
you. There's 8000 registered orbuy points available for this
week. So it's all just got arace to the buy points. Perfect.
Yeah.
Douglas Maida (08:25):
That's very terrific. All right. Well, this
past week, we had a couple ofinteresting events for the PGA
Tour. They were in Florida aspart of their Florida swing, the
Honda classic in Palm Beach,Florida. And Matt Jones --
Australian player Matt Jones,who's been on tour for a little
while broke his drought and wonby a comfortable five shots. Did
(08:48):
you catch any of it by chance?
Or any thoughts about that?
Sophie Walker (08:51):
Yeah, I just think it's hype when you talk
about a drought of year it's notwon for seven years, but I feel
like somebody like Matt Jones,he just just hangs around the
whole time and it's a bit horsesfor courses with him he's got to
find a course which suits himand him the dead the green
started to bake it was windy.
And it really suited his gameand and it just shows that the
(09:16):
quality of the PGA Tour and howdeep it goes. So I don't like
the term journeyman and all thattype of thing but there's just
such a massive pool of players Imean, the guy that came second
only got in on a Wednesdayright? So that there is certain
tournament's where it's justlike anybody can win and I feel
(09:37):
100 obviously didn't have thegreatest field because of where
its position those type ofevents you get, you get guys
like a Matt Jones or even likeCorey Connors the other year
that they just come through andand take it just because of how
how good the quality is. I mean,those last four holes on the
(09:57):
They're tough and, you know, tofist pump hitting it on the
green. Like, as soon as he didthat, and seven feet, it's like,
yeah, that's one there. So it'sa real battle hunger, especially
in the wind. And he handled itreally well and just didn't give
anyone else a chance.
Douglas Maida (10:15):
That's true. So with the Honda classic, and Matt
Jones playing well, he's earnedhis ticket to the Masters. How
do you think, he's a bit of astreaky player? Is he not? Or is
he too much of a horse for acourse type of situation?
Sophie Walker (10:32):
I mean, he hits a good draw, which will suit
Augusta? I don't know like, youcan't, you can't pick anybody
outside the top 30 in the worldfor the Masters really. And you
look at the stats, if you're notin the top 10 or 11 players
strokes gained or strokeaverage. There's there's no
(10:53):
point. So sorry, that like ifyou're not looking at those
types of, you know, the bookiesfavorites, then they're the
Masters is one of those fieldsthat isn't open, isn't it?
There's only 84 playing it's25%. And then you can disregard
because they're rookies amateursor ex champions. So yeah, that's
(11:17):
I think the Masters is one ofthe easiest to pick who are
going to win as in just that,that group of players. I don't
see I don't see a breakthroughfrom anyone else.
Douglas Maida (11:28):
Do you have somebody you think who might be
peaking at the right time toplay and compete at the Masters?
Sophie Walker (11:36):
Well, like those type of stats, I mean, it's JT,
it's Dustin, I can't see Brysonmaking the same mistakes as he
did last year, I think you'lllearn from them. But if you want
like a little bit of anoutsider, and when I say
outsider, it's only like 25 toones. They're my outsiders. It's
kind of Webb Simpson, PatrickCantlay. Those guys really fit
(12:01):
the mold. And the stats. Yeah, Imean, I would love Rory, Spieth
or Westwood to win. But I mean,I think that's probably
Douglas Maida (12:13):
He's been on a really good roll.
Sophie Walker (12:15):
Yeah. But yeah, he has. We all know what the
oldest major winner has everbeen. And he's older than him.
So.
Douglas Maida (12:29):
But you never know exactly. What's the beauty
of it, you still have to playit. So the European tour was in
Kenya this past weekend, stayingthere, again, for another event.
Not the biggest draw on theEuropean tour, but important
that it's bringing golf to otherparts of the world as part of
its mandate. And I think that'sfantastic. Any thoughts about
(12:51):
that event? And are many playersusing that who aren't in the WC
g as a prep for Augusta?
Hopefully, or?
Sophie Walker (13:01):
No, you won't ...
yeah, if I mean, if you're inthe WCC, or in the gosta, there
won't be many there that arethat at all. So it's very much
the challenge tour and maybeoutside the top people that
don't play much Race to Dubai,like get through to the finals.
But that equally that that'simportant. Talking about people
(13:22):
haven't won for a while JustinHarding won. And you can see how
much that means to him. So thesethese events are vital to keep
the tours going and to keepthese players going. And they're
down there two weeks in a row inKenya, they'll be really well
looked after the place looksgreat. And yeah, we you need the
140 550 players week in week outto keep everything going, you
(13:49):
know, that that the WCG areamazing, but like we were
talking before, there's a poolof players that, you know, like
the likes of Kurt Kitayama, youknow, really changed his career
around my career back on comingon to the European tour, sorry,
you know, lost his Korn ferrytour card a couple of years ago,
came over to Europe never playedin Europe before. And then he's
(14:10):
won a couple of times. So it'simportant. It can really, you
know, help Brookes Koepka out,didn't it? And he's not done too
bad.
Douglas Maida (14:22):
Right, well, and that's where Brooks Koepka went
and played before he really,really came back on onto the mat
came back made it onto the PGAand that is success ever since.
We're going to take a shortcommercial break at the moment
and when we come back, Sophieand I will be discussing the ANA
inspiration, the first major ofthe season in all of golf
(14:44):
season, and the first LPGAmajor.
Amy (Studio) (14:47):
Did you know that at the world of golf, we bring
you up to date coverage of theLPGA major championships. With
the ANA Inspiration next week,be sure to check out our
tournament coverage atwww.worldofgolf.org. That's
www.worldofgolf.org. You willfind a preview of the event and
(15:11):
stories from the media days,there will be round summaries
and highlights. And we havegreat little details like the
weather for Rancho Mirage alongwith other tournament
information, so be sure to checkit out at the world of golf.
Now, back to our show.
Douglas Maida (15:28):
Welcome back.
Thank you for staying with us.
Now. We're on to the ANAInspiration. As I said before
the break the first major of theentire golf world, both Men's
and Women's Professional Golf.
And it's being held at MissionHills Resort in Rancho Mirage,
California. And like the MastersTournament, it is the only major
-- I shouldn't say that -- Nowwith the inclusion of the Evian,
(15:49):
it is now one of two majorevents on Women's Professional
Golf that is played at the samecourse each and every year. So
Sophie, do you have any openingthoughts about this year's any
inspiration, especially comingoff? Such a late playing last
year because the COVID break?
(16:12):
And then with KPMG in October inthe US Open in December?
Sophie Walker (16:17):
Yeah. Well, we all know the last 12 months has
been anything but normal. Butseeing the ANA back in this day
makes life feel a little bitmore normal fits in the schedule
nicely after the KIA and I knowit's an event that the players
really look forward to it's gotso much history behind it. And
(16:39):
yeah, we were saying it's like agusto in the sense that we all
know the golf course I've neverplayed Mission Hills, but I feel
like I know it. And and it's abig deal, isn't it for these
players? And I definitely thinkit's a big deal for the
Americans as well.
Douglas Maida (16:55):
Yeah, there's a lot of history there. It is the
oldest championship on the LPGAwell that and the the other two
(USWO & PGA Championship) butits history is kind of rooted
very much in Dinah Shore and herlegacy and women's golf, and
Women's Professional Golf.
Always remember that event beingknown as the Dinah Shore
(17:18):
Classic. And just the legacythat Dinah Shore had with
women's golf. not toodissimilar, I think from the
legacy that Bing Crosby had. AndBob Hope had decades earlier
with helping men's professionalgolf in America develop and
become a bit more of a stableand recognizable force in in
(17:40):
sports and entertainment andNorth America. So I've always
looked forward to it. I don'tknow if Dinah Shore was as well
known offshore as she was herein North America, but a
wonderful history. She was suchan entertainer, and it was
always a joy to watch,particularly my memories of that
are in the 70s with all theflashy clothing and all the
women's attire and kind of likea heyday of golf, if you will,
(18:04):
at that time, or one of itsgolden years in women's golf.
So no "Blue Wall" this year.
Sophie, what do you think that'sgonna do? I'm silent some of the
critics from last year orintroduce a whole new element of
risk reward that hadn't beenthere for years.
Sophie Walker (18:21):
Yeah, I mean, is there gonna be fans there? I'm
not too sure about the COVIDrules and stuff over there. But
it it didn't make sense lastyear because there was no crowd
to sit around the back of it.
And it's basically like a bigsponsorship board. Which,
obviously, when, you know, wesaw the 18th hole and I know
(18:42):
that 18th hole for Karrie Webbholding out from the fairway,
Lydia Ko, sticking it in closejust to beat England's Charlie
Hull. I don't want to know it asall you remember when Brooke
Henderson hit it underneaththere or Mirim Lee ricocheted
off of the back, chipped in andwon the top like, you can't have
(19:03):
that on the 18th green. And I'mlike, it's one of those things
that I've never reallyunderstood why it was there. And
thankfully, it's gone now. WhatI would say is that I would like
to see that team moved up whenit is moved up. Because to come
in there with 5-woods, 3-woods,it's not a green which will take
(19:26):
one of those it doesn't sit atyour that green, it's very flat.
And so it's quite easy to justto skip over through the back.
So if it's a three shorter thanit's a three shot or when it
plays, what five over 550 yards,I think normally, but when it
gets moved forward, it needs tobe able to take a hybrid or you
(19:47):
know, an Ann Van Damme with a6-iron or a 5-iron, else
nobody's going to go for it. Youknow, the only reason a lot of
these players do go for it isbecause talks about backboard.
Douglas Maida (20:02):
Right, right.
It's not as penalizing.
Sophie Walker (20:06):
Well, no, it doesn't go in the water, so it's
definitely not penalizing.
Douglas Maida (20:12):
Okay, understatement.
Yeah, I don't think there'sgoing to be fans at the ANA this
year. So I think it makes alittle bit more of a more sense
to take that wall, especiallywhen it started to become the
talking point last year after,after the championship. How
(20:33):
would you find it?
So if you if you were playing inan event like that, and there's
no fans? Do you still have thesame sort of excitement as a
major? Does it still sort ofhave that major feeling?
Sophie Walker (20:42):
Do you think it was never any fans watching me
so I'd be quite used to it.
Douglas Maida (20:49):
Don't be so self-deprecating.
Sophie Walker (20:52):
I think a lot of players enjoy walking down 18
and high fiving the fans as theywalk over the bridge on Poppy's
Pond, but because of how longit's been going on, everybody's
used to it now. It's notsomething we want to get used
to. But yeah, I think for theplayers, especially the ones
(21:13):
that have been there for so manyyears, I think it's just a shame
that the fans have actuallybecome friends, I suppose. So to
not be able to, to stay with whoyou normally stay with, or to
have the family that have beenwatching you for, you know, 10
years and stuff like that,that's got to be difficult. And
then going on to win to it. It'snot an anticlimax by any means
(21:39):
for the person that wins it. Butjust to look back at the end on
the photos, and the you know,the jumping into poppies upon
without doing it in front ofeverybody, all that type of
thing. But it's the world thatwe live in right now. And it's
not like if you Google it in 20years time, there's a little
mark next to it saying literallyone that hey, there was no fans.
(22:03):
So it's not as important. Likethis is not the case. It's it's
still coming down the stretchplayers are still going to be
feeling it. And, but yeah, wewant fans back as quickly as
possible. But fortunately, notyet.
Douglas Maida (22:17):
That's very important I think -- the point
you made about looking back inhistory or something like that,
there's not going to be anasterisk next to it about the
fans. Maybe it asteriskexplaining why it was played at
a different time of the year,but I think that would be about
it. This week, the players arein Carlsbad for the KIA Classic.
(22:39):
Who do you think you should belooking for? To do well are kind
of prime themselves inpreparation for the ANA next
week.
Sophie Walker (22:47):
There's only one player that I'll be watching
this week at the key classic.
And that is Michelle Wie.
Because she moved the needle inwomen's golf and she's come back
she's had a baby. I swing looksso smooth. Like it's rhythmical.
It looks great. So yeah, I thinkshe will. We'll definitely take
more of the viewership. We wantto know how she gets on. I mean,
(23:12):
who knows? The week nobodyknows. But that I think that's
nice that she's come back. Ithink she's teeing it up at ama
as well. And I suppose itdepends how you look at it. I
think some people might, youknow, might see this as a warm
up for next week. But I don't Ithink it's a totally different
tournament. People are gettinginto time difference now. So
(23:35):
the Europeans that are outthere, the Charlie Hulls have
flown out there. There, theyneed to get on the right time
zone. And they want to play thisway in for the ANA. But if you
win the care classic, then yeah,you're gonna you're gonna feel
pretty good. Aren't you goinginto going into ANA so I was,
you know, usual suspects thatstarted well. The Korda sisters,
(23:59):
Danielle Kang just signed a dealwith Titleist, which is great. I
mean, they're obviously goingout with each other for best
part 12 years. And I've finallydecided to tie the knot for
whatever reason. So that'spretty cool. And But yeah, I
think it's really early in theseason, isn't it right now. So
it's unusual to almost have amajor without that much golf
(24:20):
going on. So we could see asurprise, I suppose.
Douglas Maida (24:26):
Yeah, you're absolutely right. Because this
year, again, being a little bitdifferent, we missed the
Australian swing, which wouldhave been an opportunity to see
some of the players and how wellthey're starting to perform and
peak for the springtime.
So my thoughts about the KIAClassic, it's a pretty demanding
course. It's gonna place a bitof a premium on shotmaking in
(24:48):
terms of getting off the teenicely, because the rough is
pretty penal in Carlsbad, atleast at this this time of the
year where you know, you haveyour most moisture. I think it's
going to be a very interesting,but you're right. I don't
think, I think the KIA Classicin and of itself stands on its
own and doesn't necessarily --it's not necessarily used as a
preparatory event intosomething. I mean, obviously,
(25:11):
you want to play it because youwant to have some rounds under
your belt before you hit RanchoMirage. But I think it's of
significant stature that peoplewant to win this in their own
right and, and put that title intheir resume.
So what about, you mentionedCharlie and Lydia a couple
moments ago. What are yourthoughts about Charlie? She
(25:34):
swinging the club pretty well,she's at least some of the
videos I've seen of her inpractice looks like she's
getting really sharp andsharpening up her game. Any
thoughts on her or any of theother European contingent?
Sophie Walker (25:48):
Yeah, Charlie, I mean, she looks like she's
swinging a bit slow doesn'tchange she needs to stop holding
back I think.
Douglas Maida (25:56):
Well, yeah, yeah, I was gonna say but it kind of
looks like she's . . .
Sophie Walker (25:59):
I'm joking, she gives he rips it.
Douglas Maida (26:03):
No, I know. She was gonna say yeah, she's
looking a little smoother. Ithought,
Sophie Walker (26:08):
Ah, Charlie, Charlie, like a personality. A
personality is a golf swing. Agolf swing. And I love that
about her. She's a fast talker.
She's a fast Walker and sheswings it fast. It's great. I
mean, this is by far herfavorite major to perform well
in we already spoke about thatthe second to Lydia, Lydia Ko
(26:28):
when she's at a tide seventhtide six as well in the past
qualified there as an amateur.
So this court really suitsCharlie because it is a bombers
track, isn't it really the ANA,the rough will be grown up, I'm
sure that you need to hit theball well of the tee and the
(26:50):
greens bake out. So you need tobe able to hold them and she
hits it high enough with so muchspin, like the spin and the
launch that she generates on thegolf ball is is up there with. I
mean, it's like watching a guysometimes on the range is
really, really impressive. Andyou know, she was 25 at the
(27:11):
weekend. So maybe a bit of alate birthday present for that.
That she she's always the onethat you kind of look for out of
the Brits, I suppose at the ANAjust because she's got such a
good record.
Douglas Maida (27:25):
What do you think the keys will be for her to
perform well at the ANA?
Sophie Walker (27:30):
I mean, it's a consistency thing, really with
Charlie. I know she likes cominghome. But I do think bouncing
around can be it can bedifficult coming back and forth
to over to America. But sheseems to she seems to be getting
quite used to that now. So forme, Charlie just needs to hole a
(27:50):
few putts. And just to kind oflimit limit the mistakes
sometimes that Charlie ... she,she throws in a mistake out of
nowhere. So but I think withmaturity and this course, she
now played it so many times. Hasgot to help, hasn't it? You're
gonna learn from your mistakes.
And I'm sure her and Adam willdo.
Douglas Maida (28:12):
What do you think about Jinyoung Ko -- previous
winner didn't play last year? Imean, at the ANA, now she's
back. I mean, she was lookingpretty good when ...with the
events that she's been playing.
I mean, it just like she didn'tseem to miss a skip at all. Just
boom, back into it. And she'swriting contention all over
again.
Sophie Walker (28:30):
Yeah, I mean, she was playing in Korea, so she
just didn't play LPGA she choseto stay and play KLPGA wanna
share ton of money and then gaveit all to charity, which was
pretty nice of her. So yeah,just because they're not playing
over on the LPGA doesn't meanthat they're not playing at all.
And so a few a few of the Koreanplayers decided to stay to stay
(28:51):
over there. But funnily enough,they came back to the CME and
they didn't fancy missing that.
So yeah, Jinyoung Ko just she'sgood at everything. I think
that's there isn't a standout.
You know, you look at Inbee Parkand you think oh, wow, she puts
good or Lexi think why she's amile. Jinyoung Ko is just is
(29:14):
just an frontload she's betterthan good. She's brilliant at
every single aspect of her game.
Multiple major winner. And,yeah, you've got to look for her
to be right at the top. I thinkif you finish above her, you
could be jumping into PoppiesPond.
Douglas Maida (29:33):
Yeah, I think you're quite right about that. I
agree wholeheartedly. She, likeshe doesn't have a weakness in
her game. She's very strong atjust about every single aspect
of her game. I mean, I can'tthink of one that she hasn't
really excelled. I mean, shemight not hit it the farthest.
But she's got enough distanceoff the tee and she's always in
the fairway more or less so thatshe's giving herself a chance
and her game seems to be not tohurt herself, and, and then be
(29:56):
there to capitalize when theopportunities arise. So somebody
Also just come back this yearfor the first time in quite a
few months. I think it's 15months is Hyo Joo Kim. Now, the
last we saw of her in 2019, Ibelieve it was she had one heck
of a year. Was it 2019 or 2018,where we had that multiple
winners year with regards tosome of the trophies at the
(30:18):
season ending honors. And Ilooked at some of her playing
record in Korea this past year,and she's just been continuing
that form -- just blisteringalong. So have you any thoughts
about how she might come backand kind of just miss not miss a
beat and just keep on going aswell?
Sophie Walker (30:36):
Yeah, the Korean contingent is so strong right
now. And they are fighting toget into this Olympic team in
Tokyo, it means so much to them.
So I would expect them all to beplaying in as much as possible
with World Rankings availableand playing as well as possible
also,
Douglas Maida (30:57):
Which leads us to another one of the Korean
powerhouse players of the lastcouple of years and Sei Young
Kim -- a second major perhaps inthe offing?
Sophie Walker (31:06):
Oh, yeah, I mean, this is a big time player isn't
it? I really, really enjoywatching it up tell by the way,
my voice changes, just that youknow, like at CME, like you play
like this is like millions ofdollars that you're going for
here and it just doesn't seem tofaze her, she really enjoys
putting yourself under pressuresituations. Whereas I do think a
(31:29):
lot of players are lesscomfortable in those situations
you look in the men's gamessomeone like Tony Finau. Now you
can see him almost he tightensup and have the pressure of
winning and put even seen that Ithink with Lydia Ko recently,
you know, she's got in in thatposition, she can tighten up go
backwards. Whereas this playeris somebody that just almost
(31:51):
seems to get better, the more inthe fight that she is like, it's
like, get me there. And I'm evenmore comfortable. And also, like
when you talk about not wantingto make mistakes, I feel like
she's a little bit braver aswell, -- she will go for that
bit more and be a little bitkind of carefree if it comes off
(32:11):
or not like she's sensible, andin the most part of our game,
but if you need to pull off ashot, when it counts, she will
go for it. Like if she needs tohit it onto the 18th green in
two and she's in between, youknow, she's gonna step up and
take the shirt off. And thechances are, she's probably
going to pull it off. And thatwas kind of like about her,
Douglas Maida (32:34):
Yeah, I'll never forget that when she was first
on tour. That image of her isjust ingrained in my memory --
seeing her first of all, whenshe chipped in on 18 to tie
Inbee Park and then they went toa playoff and then from the
fairway -- she stuffed it fromthe fairway and just the
personality she brings to thecourse I just you know, it's
(32:55):
very infectious watching and youjust can't help but stand up and
cheer that player when she's upthere and just 'go, go go'. I
mean, I just love watching herplay. She's fearless in that
respect. Yeah,
Sophie Walker (33:06):
She sure is.
Douglas Maida (33:08):
Yeah. You mentioned Danielle Kang, she's
had a little bit of a slowstart. Do you think her games
moving in the right direction?
And what do you think some ofthe keys are going to be for her
going forward? As we prep forANA. I mean,
Sophie Walker (33:25):
I mean, slow start that she didn't win twice
on the comeback because I mean,stroke average is 69. Putting
the lights out and -- 'Okay,yeah, she's had only a top 10'
or something. Yeah, she's notplayed that much like she's,
she's well up there on the raceto the CMA. So yeah. She stayed
(33:48):
hot coming back after the COVID,obviously. But she's a big time
prior. And she will be she willbe up there that that is for
sure. And I was saying about howmuch this means the players. It
means a lot to her majors. Sheplays well in America majors,
her record everything. And theBritish (Open) is shocking. It's
(34:10):
almost like don't bother comingover Danielle, which I know
she's going to try and improvebut get her in America with the
history of the ANA. And I thinkthat she will, she will be up
there. She was up there lastyear to go on all right record
at the ANA as well. But yeah, Iwouldn't say too slow of a
start. She's just not won.
Douglas Maida (34:32):
Obviously in comparison to last year where
she came blissed out of thestarting gates after the
restart. I guess that's a littlebit of a curse when you set the
bar so high that you startgetting measured to to those
standards or those new standardsthat you set for yourself.
Sophie Walker (34:49):
And also in the women's game it's really easy to
be overtaken like there's not adominant force, you know,
especially with the Koreanplayers going back to play on
KLPGA, it's opened everythingup. But, you know, you've got
Nelly one week, Jess the nextlike, it's it needs, it needs
one of these players to stand upand kind of dominate. Because
(35:14):
look how easy it is just, Imean, not forget, but like, you
know, forget I suppose. But themore events that played, you
know, with him played a lot thisyear, the more everybody will
just fit into his normal place.
But yeah, I think it's nice tosee a few of the American
players playing well, andwinning. But with all the Korean
(35:35):
players now and the Thai playersand the -- Well, basically the
Asian players coming back, Ithink we're going to really see
the cream rise to the top. Sothe American girls need to need
to really start stepping up asto the Europeans because this is
going to be a massive year forwomen's golf. We've got the
Solheim, got the Olympics, gotthe five majors. And there is a
(35:56):
lot lot to play for
Douglas Maida (36:00):
Very much. So one of the players on the American
side that I've been watchingover the last couple of years,
in particular with herprogression has been Jennifer
Kupcho. Now, I don't know ifyou've seen much of Jennifer
outside of the majors. But I'vejust been impressed with how
well she has steadily improvedher play. And there's been a few
(36:20):
events where she's beencontending. She wasn't able to
get it done on the Sunday, perse. But she started to put
herself in the conversation forpotentially winning an event.
And she did well at KPMG. Shedid well at the Shoprite Classic
prior. I am I think she's verymotivated to make the Solheim
Cup team. And I think she'sgoing to be a little bit more of
(36:45):
a leader of the youngergeneration of -- and when I say
younger, I'm only talking forfive years difference. But for
some reason on the LPGA it seemslike it's a little bit more of a
gap than it would be, say in themen's men's age groups. But
yeah, I think she's a little bitof the newer, quote unquote,
generation of the Americanplayers coming up that I think,
keep an eye on. Is thatsomething you'd agree with? Or
(37:08):
do you think that I'm perhaps alittle over, over emphasizing it
or
Sophie Walker (37:13):
I mean, like, the way she carried herself at
Augusta, a couple years ago waswas incredible that back nine or
was something that I rememberfor a long while a long, long
time. And also, you know, youput against Maria fassi just
shows you doesn't it? Therewasn't much between them Augusta
and she really, really got togrips with this LPGA and, and to
do it during a very uncertaintime. It must be very hard to be
(37:38):
a rookie out there at themoment. You can't mix with
people, it's a lot harder totravel, you've got a lot of
barriers. And it just shows youhow good a golfer she is to
handle all that and how settledshe is as a person. And you
know, like look at Matt Wolff.
He's really struggling with thesocial aspect. I've spoken to a
few players as well that off therecord. They're really
(38:00):
struggling with it. So the factthat she's adapted so well. And
yeah, I think she'd be she'd bea good a good Solheim cup
player. Obviously, there's somany of them, but it's always
nice to have a name, isn't it?
So? Yeah, I like her, I like theway she plots the way around the
(38:20):
golf course. And as I say,really enjoyed watching her at
Augusta.
Douglas Maida (38:26):
You mentioned about some of the challenges of
being on tour and a lot of thedifficulties that players have
encountered this past year withthe Coronavirus break and and
all the new protocols that arein place on the various tours
and whatnot. It reminds me ofyesterday and the press
conference or the media day theyhad at the KIA Classic in
(38:47):
Carlsbad. I sat in and attendedand part of what I saw was a
remarkable interview with IngeeChun. Now, you know, we all know
Ingee, who won at the US Open in2015, and then she had that
record setting performance atthe Evian. She's also won the
Korean Women's Open. So she'sthe only player in the world to
(39:09):
have won three, you know, twomajors on the LPGA and one the
Korean opening in her nativecountry. So she was talking
yesterday, very candidly aboutstruggling with depression and
the effect that it's had on herfor the last several years. And
just the effect that it's had onin terms of being able to work
through it with her family andwith her coaches and whatnot.
(39:31):
And just what it meant to kindof rob her of joy when she was
playing golf. And something thatI guess she's enjoyed while most
golfers enjoy their entire lifeand it's a joy. So she kind of
shared a lot about thatyesterday and she was saying now
that she's in a happy place in agood place. She's with the
support of her friends and hercoaches and her family. She's
(39:53):
back to being the 'normal InGee'and the 'normal InGee' who
played so well in all thosemajors and has started this
season three events three top10, so 4th last week, or at the
last event, I mean, and so she'splaying very well. And she seems
to have her attitude and reallygood focus on the game coming
back. But I don't know. Did youhappen to catch any of that
(40:16):
interview? or any of the storiescoming out of that? Or?
Sophie Walker (40:19):
No, I mean, no, I didn't I didn't catch it. Time
differences is not ideal overhere. But I think it's, it's
just so much more acceptable,isn't it to talk about your
mental health, like physicalhealth is just a given. Everyone
talks about it, in fact, in allboasts about it, don't they? If
you I mean, if you go to thegym, you better put it on
Instagram or that it doesn'texist. But mental health, I
(40:43):
think it's something that peopleneed to speak more about
fairplay to her to do it infront of the world. I don't
think I'm coming from a player'spoint of view. Golf is your
hobby, it's your passion. Andthen you decide to do it as a
job. And then it's still, it'sstill, you've still got bring
(41:03):
the cash in all that likely,you've got no escapism, because
your escapism was your hobby.
And now you've not got a hobby.
And it's really easy for you, wesaw it with Yani Tseng didn't
we? Like if she didn't win thepress back in our home country,
it was like what's wrong withher, you know, and it really
beat her up. And I can imagineit can be quite similar, like
(41:25):
you've just spoke about howsuccessful she was. And the
pressure that she then putsherself under the press put her
on the family might put her onthere. And it can all get a bit
too much. And she will not bethe first and it's just can you
get yourself out of it. And youknow, the grind of trying to get
better on the range is isenjoyable. It's good fun. But if
(41:46):
you're not seeing it in aperformance, it's almost like
what what else can I do sointeresting that it was just
like her mind, it wasn't anypart of her swing, but and how
she's coping with it. But sheneeds to stay on top of it.
Because like a swing fault,this, this or this could easily
(42:07):
creep back. And so it's great tosee a back up there on the
leaderboard. And let's just hopethat playing good golf doesn't
equal happiness. Like you needto be happy in playing good golf
or bad golf. But it is hard todo because it's your job. And if
you're not doing your job, well,it does affect you.
Douglas Maida (42:28):
For sure. One of the other things she credited is
that she's got a little morestability. Now. I guess in the
offseason, she bought a house inthe Dallas area. So she's now
got a home base. She's veryclose to Sei Young Kim, and
they're very much friends. Shewas speaking in the interview
yesterday about the two of themhaving some social events even
and being able to enjoy somethings off the course, in that
(42:50):
way sort of being able tonourish the soul, if you will.
And she talked about the joy ofbeing able to have a nice that
Sei Young Kim organized a nicehouse warming party for her. So
Sophie Walker (43:01):
Yeah,there's that little things.
Douglas Maida (43:02):
Yeah, yeah, yeah, it is very much. So. One of the
names that I've conspicuouslymissed and haven't chatted about
yet --- Brooke Henderson. Shehasn't had the strongest start
to the season. But she playedwell the last time at the ANA.
For her and Nelly it's almostthe same story. A little bit of
(43:24):
unfinished business for the oneof those two or for both of
them.
Sophie Walker (43:27):
Yeah, I think Brooke she's probably at that
stage in her career where she'sgonna define herself by majors.
So I wouldn't look too much intoit the fact that she's maybe not
started as well. Like we saidbefore, there hasn't been that
many events. But also she'sshe's a major player that's
(43:48):
that's kind of where she is inher career right now and that's
what she wants to do so I wouldalways put her to compete; she
plays well on tough golf coursesand majors are normally tough
sells. And yeah, Nelly'sobviously one this year so's her
sister. Sister's got a greatrecord at ANA actually so yeah
(44:08):
unfinished business but I thinkit's going to be better than the
walls not there because it's allit's like it doesn't remind you
you can almost put it down soyou can say 'I didn't win last
year because that wall - thatwalls gone so I'm gonna I'm
gonna win this year.'I mean actually, if Nelly had
hit the fairway down at sheprobably would have won but
there is a way of trying topsychologically getting your
(44:30):
head around it by saying thatwalls gone that could that was
the reason I lost that won'thappen again we're actually
watching it you know Brookemissed a short one then she and
the playoff hole and Nellydidn't hit the fairways. But of
course we've got so much coursehistory it's quite, it's easier
to pick out who's going to dowell there and you do see the
(44:51):
usual suspects you know BrittanyLincecomb with a good record
around there, hasn't she? So Iwould expect all the players did
well last year to maybe featureagain this year. It's only been.
And was it September? Was itlast year? So? Yeah. Six months,
seven months? I'd expect theusual suspects.
Douglas Maida (45:13):
Yeah. Still very fresh memories. So going
forward, any thoughts about whatto watch for maybe in the KIA
Cassic or, and who might bepotentially coming out of that?
Like, I mean, let's talk aboutsome of the European plays. I
mean, Charlie's a favoriteobviously. Do you see an Emily
(45:33):
Kristine Peterson or SophiaPopov or anything like that?
Being able to strike again,coming up this weekend. Next.
Sophie Walker (45:43):
Yeah. Let's Anne van Dam, some great work with
Sean Foley. And it's, you know,like, she puts a swing video up,
everybody loves it. And then thenext comment is how she hasn't
won more. So that's, that's,that'll get in his head. And
it's a big, big year for a beinga Solheim Cup year. So she needs
to start turning that swing intoperformances. And I think she's
(46:05):
actually accepted that and she'sgoing to take that on. But I was
pleased to see Bronte Lawplaying better. I really was --
tough year for her last year.
And so you know, you can writeit off didn't count as such, I
suppose on money lists andrankings and stuff like that.
But it was really I'm reallypleased to see kind of Bronte
(46:27):
back back in there. And thisthese type of courses and
Carlota Ciganda. I mean, thisgirl is so good. I mean that you
will not see anyone hit a golfor better than she will. It's
amazing. how well she hits thegolf ball. Terry Mack on the
(46:47):
bag, Annika's ex-caddy willknow, Carlsbad well, he'll
certainly know Mission Hillslike the back of his hand. So
I'm expecting Carlota to reallykind of step up this year. And I
can see a winner. If she's gonnawin a major, I can see it being
(47:08):
the ANA.
Douglas Maida (47:12):
And why is that just because of -- its of
course she's familiar with sheknows her caddy knows they can
just be that much more prepared.
Sophie Walker (47:19):
And I would say it's not there's less variables,
British Open's got variables.
Evian -- the course is variable.
Douglas Maida (47:28):
weather?
Sophie Walker (47:29):
Yeah. And it's with maybe KPMG is another one
up there as well. It's like aball strikers course. And you
don't necessarily have to haveto be the best putter in the
world. If you look at the listof winners, they've had a good
put in week, but they're youwouldn't say that they were the
best putters in the world. Andso yeah, I think this is the
(47:51):
one. This is the one thatCarlota can do. can do well in
and she's more of a streakyputter, I would say. Fabulous
short game, actually, the more Ispeak about and the more I can't
believe that she's not one moremaybe. So I'm talking her up so
yes, come on, Carlota. I cansee. I want, I want her to do
well, I think a lot of Europeanswould like to do well also.
Douglas Maida (48:13):
Well, you know, over the last couple of years,
she's put herself in contentionfor a Sunday. And then just
hasn't quite been able to finishit off.
Sophie Walker (48:20):
I think she gets nervous. I think he's a bit
she's a very sensitive soul.
She's very, she's very caringgirl. And I think the nerves get
to her. And so yeah, if she canget over that, then she would
have definitely won more.
Douglas Maida (48:38):
Did you have much opportunity to playing with her
on the European tour?
Sophie Walker (48:40):
Carlota's has been beating me since she was
13. So yeah, I think.
Douglas Maida (48:44):
Well, I appreciate your sense of humour.
Sophie Walker (48:52):
Yeah.
Douglas Maida (48:54):
Yeah, yeah. So you've gotten to see her and
play with her and learn a lotabout her just from inside the
ropes alone.
Sophie Walker (49:00):
Yeah, just just hits ... the flight that she
gets on our driver. I mean, shewent you played at the "Golf
Sixes" which is the pair's eventand she played with the men. I
mean, she she played when sheplayed with, I think it was
Eddie Pepperall. And I can'tthink of the other English guy
was she was up there with Eddie.
She hit it as long as him. Soyeah, she's she's just very
(49:25):
good. Hits par fives in two(shots), or this is where I
think with it, where we weretalking about course design. I
think if the courses do become alittle bit shorter and the par
fives become reachable. I wouldexpect Carlota to win more.
Because when I played with heron the LET she's hitting all
four par fives in 2 (shots)comfortably so she's picking up
(49:45):
four shots is a given, becauseshe's so good to agree. And so I
think that will that'lldefinitely help her.
Douglas Maida (49:55):
It's kind of like Rory when and some of the better
players when they say that theyhad good weeks or they have
winning weeks, it's usuallybecause they played those par
fives under par. Nearly everyround so.
Sophie Walker (50:07):
Oh, and the rest life? Yeah, you've got to be
you've got to be better than forthem they're sometimes to really
make an affect.
Douglas Maida (50:15):
Okay, well that's a pretty good review of the ANA
preview of the ANA. So if youhad a fantasy picks, who would
you pick your three? Let's gowith three seeing as it's just
you and I today on the show.
Sophie Walker (50:32):
Kim, Ko and i picked Carlota up so I'm gonna
go for Carlota. You can haveyour Americans and Canadians I
let you have them.
Douglas Maida (50:46):
And a player to -- an a potential. I don't wanna
say "Dark Horse" but a potentiallong shot if you will or not.
Not quite the favorite butsomebody you think could
possibly do well?
Sophie Walker (50:58):
Rose Zhang, the the one that was an am
Douglas Maida (51:01):
Oh Rose Zhang
Sophie Walker (51:01):
Yeah, sure. Yeah.
Douglas Maida (51:03):
last week?
Sophie Walker (51:04):
No, no, she did well there last year. Like she's
got it. She did well there as anamateur one year. Last year, the
year before. Yeah, she's done.
Well, there is an amateur. Shewas there last year, but
obviously played decent. Sheplaying? I don't know she's
playing. But I'll be honest, Iam working on the ANA next week.
And I will be doing far moreresearch for it. But yeah, I've
(51:26):
only I've only got a smallbrain. I can't put too much into
it too short now.
Douglas Maida (51:35):
Well, Sophie, thank you so much. It's always a
pleasure having you on as aguest. You're fantastic. And
despite your self deprecation.
You're very, very well versedand always on top of things and
terrific insight to share withnot just myself, but all the
listeners that we have. So thankyou so much for that. And let me
ask you, what's up next for you?
Sophie Walker (51:57):
And I,
Douglas Maida (51:59):
you've got the ANA that you're getting ready
for.
Sophie Walker (52:01):
Yeah, short term, it'll be kind of back to Golf in
England. So plenty of golflessons. Yes, that doing the ANA
coverage, the Le T is notlooking like starting till maybe
June time, May, June. So Iwouldn't be back on the telly
for that until then. So in themeantime, just trying to keep
(52:21):
myself out of trouble, not catchCOVID. And yeah, trying to get
everybody back, not only towhere they were, but hopefully
to improve their golf for theseason.
Douglas Maida (52:34):
Well, you know, working with you, I'm sure
that's gonna be a much moreeasier task than if they weren't
Sophie Walker (52:40):
Oh I tell them how it is. Don't worry.
Douglas Maida (52:44):
Well, there you go. Sometimes you really need
that coach. Well, thank you,Sophie. And we look forward to
chatting with you again soon.
Sophie Walker (52:54):
Thank you.
Douglas Maida (52:57):
And that Ladies and gentlemen, concludes our
show for today. Thank you verymuch for listening in. And may
you have a wonderful couple ofweeks till our next podcast and
we meet up with you again. So inthe meantime, remember if you're
out playing golf, you want tokeep that ball in the short
grass. On behalf of Sophia,myself and our producers, thank
(53:17):
you and have a great day.
Amy (Studio) (53:20):
You are listening to "We're Talking Golf" produced
by the world of golf. Thisepisode was recorded on March 24
2021. If you have an idea for afuture show, please send us an
email to info@worldofgolf.org... please include "podcast
show" in the subject line. Thisshow is the copyright of the
(53:41):
World of Golf. Thank you
Good afternoon and welcome to our show. We're
talking golf. My name is DouglasMaida and I'm your host for this
show.
Well, it has definitely been aslow start to the golf season.
But now that we are officiallyinto springtime, things are
beginning to heat up. And thatcan only mean one thing in the
golf world, the start of majorseason. Of course, for many that
(00:33):
means the Masters where some ofgold small story traditions
began. For the LPGA however, itis the ANA Inspiration, which is
the first major of the entiregolf season. So today's show
will focus on the ANAInspiration, which starts next
week. Joining me today will beSophie Walker, who has been a
(00:54):
regular guest on our show. Inour first segment, we'll be
reviewing some of the Gulfaction from this past weekend on
the PGA and European tours. Andthen in our second segment, we
will focus on the LPGA and thean inspiration. Or for many of
you who will recall what hastraditionally been known as the
dinosaur classic. Now before weget to that, we have a message
(01:17):
from our sponsor.
Amy (Studio) (01:19):
Today's show is being recorded from our studio
in beautiful Vancouver, BritishColumbia. We are produced by the
world of golf. You can find uson the worldwide web at www dot
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(01:42):
Asia and elsewhere, you can alsofollow us on Weibo and WeChat.
We are proud to announce thatwe're talking golf has been
recognized as one of the top 40PGA and LPGA golf podcasts to
follow in 2021. Now, back to ourshow. Here is your host, Douglas
maeder.
Douglas Maida (02:03):
We're back. Thank you for staying with us. I'd
like to take this time to thankyou, our listeners and followers
from around the world who listento our show on a regular basis.
Without you we would not be ableto bring you this show. So thank
you again for your continuedsupport. Now in the world of
golf this past weekend, the PGATour continued with its Florida
(02:24):
swing, having played the ArnoldPalmer classic a few weeks ago,
and just this past weekend,finished up the Honda classic in
Palm Beach at the PGA national,where Matt Jones had broken
wings drought, with acomfortable five shot margin of
victory. The European tour wasalso an auction at the Kenya
open. And we'll discuss that ina little bit with Sophie. Now
(02:46):
joining us on zoom fromManchester England is Sophie
Walker. For our regularlisteners, you will know Sophie
as a former professional playeron the ladies European tour. And
now as an analyst with SkySports in the UK. Welcome back
to the show. Sophie.
Sophie Walker (03:00):
Hey, thanks for having me.
Douglas Maida (03:03):
Our pleasure, her pleasure. So you're getting a
little bit of the golf bug,which I'm quite sure as you're a
lockdown situation in the UK iscoming to an end very quickly.
Probably not quickly enough.
Sophie Walker (03:15):
Oh, lockdown is nowhere near and then we're just
going to be allowed outside.
Yeah, lockdown doesn't end tillJuly. Maybe? Um, yeah. The Gulf
will be open in England as ofMonday the 29th. And, yeah, it's
more annoying that it's open inScotland or Wales already. So
you're seeing people on the golfcourse. But yeah, you know, it's
(03:39):
it's one of those things it's wecan't do anything about it now.
When it when Boris announcedthat in January, four months
seemed a long, long time away.
So what's a couple more days,right?
Douglas Maida (03:53):
Yeah, I saw I can't remember where I saw it.
One website or somebody onInstagram had both done they had
a countdown clock on till tillthe courses opening in England.
So yeah, I thought that wasrather cute. So Sophie, you're
quite a busy person. Let's chata little bit about some of your
(04:17):
other activities. I know you'redoing some work with golf a lot.
You're doing some some work onfantasy golf pools and things of
that nature.
Sophie Walker (04:26):
Yeah. So fantasy golf is with the European tour.
So they have a race to Dubai,just like most all seem to have
now. So that's what theirs iscalled. And they have a fantasy
race to Dubai as well. Sosimilar to the PGA Tour one,
it's maybe a little bit moresimpler. You just pick six
(04:48):
eligible players. So forinstance, when it's World Golf
Championships, everyone wouldlove to pick Dustin Johnson, but
he's not a member of theEuropean tours. They have to
pick members of the Europeantour. So Myself and Kate
Alexander. Every week we do ourexpert picks and do a YouTube
video and just talk through whatwho would suggest why would
(05:12):
suggest them we kind of do allthe hard work for people and and
then you pick your six and youdon't have to pick. You don't
have like a transfer Kitty, youcan pick anyone.
So yeah, you can just pick thebest players on the world
ranking if you want or you canpick your, you know, your
favorite ones. That's been good.
And then golf a lot is a reviewchannel. It's owned by how did I
(05:33):
do, which is a app over herethat you book your tee times on
basically, and they help rungolf courses in general, as in
the tills locker rooms. Youknow, like when you have a card
that you put all your stuff onthe on the card. So yeah, that's
pretty cool golf that's reallytaken off this last year. It's
(05:56):
nice that they've got meinvolved. We're doing some
women's golf club reviews, whichI don't think enough companies
maybe do and especially now thebig manufacturers are actually
yeah, taking note, I suppose andthat the big manufacturers are
producing the kit. So it's upfor tours to kind of get it out
(06:17):
there.
Douglas Maida (06:20):
So who would your picks be at the WCG this week,
if you don't mind me asking?
Sophie Walker (06:24):
Well, interesting. Like, it wasn't
Justin Thomas. And that is agood thing because he is getting
pretty badly beat right now. Soyeah, there's been a couple of
groups of death. So but I didhave Jon Rahm to bounce back. I
felt like Obviously, these notpotted very well, but everything
(06:44):
else has been pretty solid. Soyeah, Jon Rahm was one. You
can't pick Speith I don't thinkbut. And then, Bryson, you know,
what I like about Bryson is theycares? Like it is. Sometimes we
match play, you can get thatdown that you just kind of give
up. Or if you're missing acourt, you can just give up. But
(07:06):
I feel like that is a good thingthat Bryson has his mentality.
He never lets himself lethimself down if you know what I
mean. Yeah, for us, for hisbritse. And Rory struggles,
quite difficult. But hey, youknow, as long as he wins the
Masters, we're all happy, right?
Douglas Maida (07:28):
Yes, I'm sure that will be quite the
celebration. That would be quitethe celebration for sure. What
about somebody like PatrickReed? Is he still a member of
the European tour?
Sophie Walker (07:39):
Yeah, he's in my team. And somebody that just is
born for match play. So Iactually picked Ryan Palmer as
well, just because he's playedreally solid this year. Like,
he's a good player, Ryan Palmer,and they just need guys that are
going to hang around likeconsistent players. Because you
know, you're playing Wednesdayto Sunday. So that's wings. Got
(08:01):
it.
Douglas Maida (08:02):
How does it work?
If you don't mind me asking --for a match play situation like
this? I mean, do you pick acertain group and you accumulate
points? And then whoever?
Sophie Walker (08:13):
No, no, it's just straight. It's not it's just so
you. There's 8000 registered orbuy points available for this
week. So it's all just got arace to the buy points. Perfect.
Yeah.
Douglas Maida (08:25):
That's very terrific. All right. Well, this
past week, we had a couple ofinteresting events for the PGA
Tour. They were in Florida aspart of their Florida swing, the
Honda classic in Palm Beach,Florida. And Matt Jones --
Australian player Matt Jones,who's been on tour for a little
while broke his drought and wonby a comfortable five shots. Did
(08:48):
you catch any of it by chance?
Or any thoughts about that?
Sophie Walker (08:51):
Yeah, I just think it's hype when you talk
about a drought of year it's notwon for seven years, but I feel
like somebody like Matt Jones,he just just hangs around the
whole time and it's a bit horsesfor courses with him he's got to
find a course which suits himand him the dead the green
started to bake it was windy.
And it really suited his gameand and it just shows that the
(09:16):
quality of the PGA Tour and howdeep it goes. So I don't like
the term journeyman and all thattype of thing but there's just
such a massive pool of players Imean, the guy that came second
only got in on a Wednesdayright? So that there is certain
tournament's where it's justlike anybody can win and I feel
(09:37):
100 obviously didn't have thegreatest field because of where
its position those type ofevents you get, you get guys
like a Matt Jones or even likeCorey Connors the other year
that they just come through andand take it just because of how
how good the quality is. I mean,those last four holes on the
(09:57):
They're tough and, you know, tofist pump hitting it on the
green. Like, as soon as he didthat, and seven feet, it's like,
yeah, that's one there. So it'sa real battle hunger, especially
in the wind. And he handled itreally well and just didn't give
anyone else a chance.
Douglas Maida (10:15):
That's true. So with the Honda classic, and Matt
Jones playing well, he's earnedhis ticket to the Masters. How
do you think, he's a bit of astreaky player? Is he not? Or is
he too much of a horse for acourse type of situation?
Sophie Walker (10:32):
I mean, he hits a good draw, which will suit
Augusta? I don't know like, youcan't, you can't pick anybody
outside the top 30 in the worldfor the Masters really. And you
look at the stats, if you're notin the top 10 or 11 players
strokes gained or strokeaverage. There's there's no
(10:53):
point. So sorry, that like ifyou're not looking at those
types of, you know, the bookiesfavorites, then they're the
Masters is one of those fieldsthat isn't open, isn't it?
There's only 84 playing it's25%. And then you can disregard
because they're rookies amateursor ex champions. So yeah, that's
(11:17):
I think the Masters is one ofthe easiest to pick who are
going to win as in just that,that group of players. I don't
see I don't see a breakthroughfrom anyone else.
Douglas Maida (11:28):
Do you have somebody you think who might be
peaking at the right time toplay and compete at the Masters?
Sophie Walker (11:36):
Well, like those type of stats, I mean, it's JT,
it's Dustin, I can't see Brysonmaking the same mistakes as he
did last year, I think you'lllearn from them. But if you want
like a little bit of anoutsider, and when I say
outsider, it's only like 25 toones. They're my outsiders. It's
kind of Webb Simpson, PatrickCantlay. Those guys really fit
(12:01):
the mold. And the stats. Yeah, Imean, I would love Rory, Spieth
or Westwood to win. But I mean,I think that's probably
Douglas Maida (12:13):
He's been on a really good roll.
Sophie Walker (12:15):
Yeah. But yeah, he has. We all know what the
oldest major winner has everbeen. And he's older than him.
So.
Douglas Maida (12:29):
But you never know exactly. What's the beauty
of it, you still have to playit. So the European tour was in
Kenya this past weekend, stayingthere, again, for another event.
Not the biggest draw on theEuropean tour, but important
that it's bringing golf to otherparts of the world as part of
its mandate. And I think that'sfantastic. Any thoughts about
(12:51):
that event? And are many playersusing that who aren't in the WC
g as a prep for Augusta?
Hopefully, or?
Sophie Walker (13:01):
No, you won't ...
yeah, if I mean, if you're inthe WCC, or in the gosta, there
won't be many there that arethat at all. So it's very much
the challenge tour and maybeoutside the top people that
don't play much Race to Dubai,like get through to the finals.
But that equally that that'simportant. Talking about people
(13:22):
haven't won for a while JustinHarding won. And you can see how
much that means to him. So thesethese events are vital to keep
the tours going and to keepthese players going. And they're
down there two weeks in a row inKenya, they'll be really well
looked after the place looksgreat. And yeah, we you need the
140 550 players week in week outto keep everything going, you
(13:49):
know, that that the WCG areamazing, but like we were
talking before, there's a poolof players that, you know, like
the likes of Kurt Kitayama, youknow, really changed his career
around my career back on comingon to the European tour, sorry,
you know, lost his Korn ferrytour card a couple of years ago,
came over to Europe never playedin Europe before. And then he's
(14:10):
won a couple of times. So it'simportant. It can really, you
know, help Brookes Koepka out,didn't it? And he's not done too
bad.
Douglas Maida (14:22):
Right, well, and that's where Brooks Koepka went
and played before he really,really came back on onto the mat
came back made it onto the PGAand that is success ever since.
We're going to take a shortcommercial break at the moment
and when we come back, Sophieand I will be discussing the ANA
inspiration, the first major ofthe season in all of golf
(14:44):
season, and the first LPGAmajor.
Amy (Studio) (14:47):
Did you know that at the world of golf, we bring
you up to date coverage of theLPGA major championships. With
the ANA Inspiration next week,be sure to check out our
tournament coverage atwww.worldofgolf.org. That's
www.worldofgolf.org. You willfind a preview of the event and
(15:11):
stories from the media days,there will be round summaries
and highlights. And we havegreat little details like the
weather for Rancho Mirage alongwith other tournament
information, so be sure to checkit out at the world of golf.
Now, back to our show.
Douglas Maida (15:28):
Welcome back.
Thank you for staying with us.
Now. We're on to the ANAInspiration. As I said before
the break the first major of theentire golf world, both Men's
and Women's Professional Golf.
And it's being held at MissionHills Resort in Rancho Mirage,
California. And like the MastersTournament, it is the only major
-- I shouldn't say that -- Nowwith the inclusion of the Evian,
(15:49):
it is now one of two majorevents on Women's Professional
Golf that is played at the samecourse each and every year. So
Sophie, do you have any openingthoughts about this year's any
inspiration, especially comingoff? Such a late playing last
year because the COVID break?
(16:12):
And then with KPMG in October inthe US Open in December?
Sophie Walker (16:17):
Yeah. Well, we all know the last 12 months has
been anything but normal. Butseeing the ANA back in this day
makes life feel a little bitmore normal fits in the schedule
nicely after the KIA and I knowit's an event that the players
really look forward to it's gotso much history behind it. And
(16:39):
yeah, we were saying it's like agusto in the sense that we all
know the golf course I've neverplayed Mission Hills, but I feel
like I know it. And and it's abig deal, isn't it for these
players? And I definitely thinkit's a big deal for the
Americans as well.
Douglas Maida (16:55):
Yeah, there's a lot of history there. It is the
oldest championship on the LPGAwell that and the the other two
(USWO & PGA Championship) butits history is kind of rooted
very much in Dinah Shore and herlegacy and women's golf, and
Women's Professional Golf.
Always remember that event beingknown as the Dinah Shore
(17:18):
Classic. And just the legacythat Dinah Shore had with
women's golf. not toodissimilar, I think from the
legacy that Bing Crosby had. AndBob Hope had decades earlier
with helping men's professionalgolf in America develop and
become a bit more of a stableand recognizable force in in
(17:40):
sports and entertainment andNorth America. So I've always
looked forward to it. I don'tknow if Dinah Shore was as well
known offshore as she was herein North America, but a
wonderful history. She was suchan entertainer, and it was
always a joy to watch,particularly my memories of that
are in the 70s with all theflashy clothing and all the
women's attire and kind of likea heyday of golf, if you will,
(18:04):
at that time, or one of itsgolden years in women's golf.
So no "Blue Wall" this year.
Sophie, what do you think that'sgonna do? I'm silent some of the
critics from last year orintroduce a whole new element of
risk reward that hadn't beenthere for years.
Sophie Walker (18:21):
Yeah, I mean, is there gonna be fans there? I'm
not too sure about the COVIDrules and stuff over there. But
it it didn't make sense lastyear because there was no crowd
to sit around the back of it.
And it's basically like a bigsponsorship board. Which,
obviously, when, you know, wesaw the 18th hole and I know
(18:42):
that 18th hole for Karrie Webbholding out from the fairway,
Lydia Ko, sticking it in closejust to beat England's Charlie
Hull. I don't want to know it asall you remember when Brooke
Henderson hit it underneaththere or Mirim Lee ricocheted
off of the back, chipped in andwon the top like, you can't have
(19:03):
that on the 18th green. And I'mlike, it's one of those things
that I've never reallyunderstood why it was there. And
thankfully, it's gone now. WhatI would say is that I would like
to see that team moved up whenit is moved up. Because to come
in there with 5-woods, 3-woods,it's not a green which will take
(19:26):
one of those it doesn't sit atyour that green, it's very flat.
And so it's quite easy to justto skip over through the back.
So if it's a three shorter thanit's a three shot or when it
plays, what five over 550 yards,I think normally, but when it
gets moved forward, it needs tobe able to take a hybrid or you
(19:47):
know, an Ann Van Damme with a6-iron or a 5-iron, else
nobody's going to go for it. Youknow, the only reason a lot of
these players do go for it isbecause talks about backboard.
Douglas Maida (20:02):
Right, right.
It's not as penalizing.
Sophie Walker (20:06):
Well, no, it doesn't go in the water, so it's
definitely not penalizing.
Douglas Maida (20:12):
Okay, understatement.
Yeah, I don't think there'sgoing to be fans at the ANA this
year. So I think it makes alittle bit more of a more sense
to take that wall, especiallywhen it started to become the
talking point last year after,after the championship. How
(20:33):
would you find it?
So if you if you were playing inan event like that, and there's
no fans? Do you still have thesame sort of excitement as a
major? Does it still sort ofhave that major feeling?
Sophie Walker (20:42):
Do you think it was never any fans watching me
so I'd be quite used to it.
Douglas Maida (20:49):
Don't be so self-deprecating.
Sophie Walker (20:52):
I think a lot of players enjoy walking down 18
and high fiving the fans as theywalk over the bridge on Poppy's
Pond, but because of how longit's been going on, everybody's
used to it now. It's notsomething we want to get used
to. But yeah, I think for theplayers, especially the ones
(21:13):
that have been there for so manyyears, I think it's just a shame
that the fans have actuallybecome friends, I suppose. So to
not be able to, to stay with whoyou normally stay with, or to
have the family that have beenwatching you for, you know, 10
years and stuff like that,that's got to be difficult. And
then going on to win to it. It'snot an anticlimax by any means
(21:39):
for the person that wins it. Butjust to look back at the end on
the photos, and the you know,the jumping into poppies upon
without doing it in front ofeverybody, all that type of
thing. But it's the world thatwe live in right now. And it's
not like if you Google it in 20years time, there's a little
mark next to it saying literallyone that hey, there was no fans.
(22:03):
So it's not as important. Likethis is not the case. It's it's
still coming down the stretchplayers are still going to be
feeling it. And, but yeah, wewant fans back as quickly as
possible. But fortunately, notyet.
Douglas Maida (22:17):
That's very important I think -- the point
you made about looking back inhistory or something like that,
there's not going to be anasterisk next to it about the
fans. Maybe it asteriskexplaining why it was played at
a different time of the year,but I think that would be about
it. This week, the players arein Carlsbad for the KIA Classic.
(22:39):
Who do you think you should belooking for? To do well are kind
of prime themselves inpreparation for the ANA next
week.
Sophie Walker (22:47):
There's only one player that I'll be watching
this week at the key classic.
And that is Michelle Wie.
Because she moved the needle inwomen's golf and she's come back
she's had a baby. I swing looksso smooth. Like it's rhythmical.
It looks great. So yeah, I thinkshe will. We'll definitely take
more of the viewership. We wantto know how she gets on. I mean,
(23:12):
who knows? The week nobodyknows. But that I think that's
nice that she's come back. Ithink she's teeing it up at ama
as well. And I suppose itdepends how you look at it. I
think some people might, youknow, might see this as a warm
up for next week. But I don't Ithink it's a totally different
tournament. People are gettinginto time difference now. So
(23:35):
the Europeans that are outthere, the Charlie Hulls have
flown out there. There, theyneed to get on the right time
zone. And they want to play thisway in for the ANA. But if you
win the care classic, then yeah,you're gonna you're gonna feel
pretty good. Aren't you goinginto going into ANA so I was,
you know, usual suspects thatstarted well. The Korda sisters,
(23:59):
Danielle Kang just signed a dealwith Titleist, which is great. I
mean, they're obviously goingout with each other for best
part 12 years. And I've finallydecided to tie the knot for
whatever reason. So that'spretty cool. And But yeah, I
think it's really early in theseason, isn't it right now. So
it's unusual to almost have amajor without that much golf
(24:20):
going on. So we could see asurprise, I suppose.
Douglas Maida (24:26):
Yeah, you're absolutely right. Because this
year, again, being a little bitdifferent, we missed the
Australian swing, which wouldhave been an opportunity to see
some of the players and how wellthey're starting to perform and
peak for the springtime.
So my thoughts about the KIAClassic, it's a pretty demanding
course. It's gonna place a bitof a premium on shotmaking in
(24:48):
terms of getting off the teenicely, because the rough is
pretty penal in Carlsbad, atleast at this this time of the
year where you know, you haveyour most moisture. I think it's
going to be a very interesting,but you're right. I don't
think, I think the KIA Classicin and of itself stands on its
own and doesn't necessarily --it's not necessarily used as a
preparatory event intosomething. I mean, obviously,
(25:11):
you want to play it because youwant to have some rounds under
your belt before you hit RanchoMirage. But I think it's of
significant stature that peoplewant to win this in their own
right and, and put that title intheir resume.
So what about, you mentionedCharlie and Lydia a couple
moments ago. What are yourthoughts about Charlie? She
(25:34):
swinging the club pretty well,she's at least some of the
videos I've seen of her inpractice looks like she's
getting really sharp andsharpening up her game. Any
thoughts on her or any of theother European contingent?
Sophie Walker (25:48):
Yeah, Charlie, I mean, she looks like she's
swinging a bit slow doesn'tchange she needs to stop holding
back I think.
Douglas Maida (25:56):
Well, yeah, yeah, I was gonna say but it kind of
looks like she's . . .
Sophie Walker (25:59):
I'm joking, she gives he rips it.
Douglas Maida (26:03):
No, I know. She was gonna say yeah, she's
looking a little smoother. Ithought,
Sophie Walker (26:08):
Ah, Charlie, Charlie, like a personality. A
personality is a golf swing. Agolf swing. And I love that
about her. She's a fast talker.
She's a fast Walker and sheswings it fast. It's great. I
mean, this is by far herfavorite major to perform well
in we already spoke about thatthe second to Lydia, Lydia Ko
(26:28):
when she's at a tide seventhtide six as well in the past
qualified there as an amateur.
So this court really suitsCharlie because it is a bombers
track, isn't it really the ANA,the rough will be grown up, I'm
sure that you need to hit theball well of the tee and the
(26:50):
greens bake out. So you need tobe able to hold them and she
hits it high enough with so muchspin, like the spin and the
launch that she generates on thegolf ball is is up there with. I
mean, it's like watching a guysometimes on the range is
really, really impressive. Andyou know, she was 25 at the
(27:11):
weekend. So maybe a bit of alate birthday present for that.
That she she's always the onethat you kind of look for out of
the Brits, I suppose at the ANAjust because she's got such a
good record.
Douglas Maida (27:25):
What do you think the keys will be for her to
perform well at the ANA?
Sophie Walker (27:30):
I mean, it's a consistency thing, really with
Charlie. I know she likes cominghome. But I do think bouncing
around can be it can bedifficult coming back and forth
to over to America. But sheseems to she seems to be getting
quite used to that now. So forme, Charlie just needs to hole a
(27:50):
few putts. And just to kind oflimit limit the mistakes
sometimes that Charlie ... she,she throws in a mistake out of
nowhere. So but I think withmaturity and this course, she
now played it so many times. Hasgot to help, hasn't it? You're
gonna learn from your mistakes.
And I'm sure her and Adam willdo.
Douglas Maida (28:12):
What do you think about Jinyoung Ko -- previous
winner didn't play last year? Imean, at the ANA, now she's
back. I mean, she was lookingpretty good when ...with the
events that she's been playing.
I mean, it just like she didn'tseem to miss a skip at all. Just
boom, back into it. And she'swriting contention all over
again.
Sophie Walker (28:30):
Yeah, I mean, she was playing in Korea, so she
just didn't play LPGA she choseto stay and play KLPGA wanna
share ton of money and then gaveit all to charity, which was
pretty nice of her. So yeah,just because they're not playing
over on the LPGA doesn't meanthat they're not playing at all.
And so a few a few of the Koreanplayers decided to stay to stay
(28:51):
over there. But funnily enough,they came back to the CME and
they didn't fancy missing that.
So yeah, Jinyoung Ko just she'sgood at everything. I think
that's there isn't a standout.
You know, you look at Inbee Parkand you think oh, wow, she puts
good or Lexi think why she's amile. Jinyoung Ko is just is
(29:14):
just an frontload she's betterthan good. She's brilliant at
every single aspect of her game.
Multiple major winner. And,yeah, you've got to look for her
to be right at the top. I thinkif you finish above her, you
could be jumping into PoppiesPond.
Douglas Maida (29:33):
Yeah, I think you're quite right about that. I
agree wholeheartedly. She, likeshe doesn't have a weakness in
her game. She's very strong atjust about every single aspect
of her game. I mean, I can'tthink of one that she hasn't
really excelled. I mean, shemight not hit it the farthest.
But she's got enough distanceoff the tee and she's always in
the fairway more or less so thatshe's giving herself a chance
and her game seems to be not tohurt herself, and, and then be
(29:56):
there to capitalize when theopportunities arise. So somebody
Also just come back this yearfor the first time in quite a
few months. I think it's 15months is Hyo Joo Kim. Now, the
last we saw of her in 2019, Ibelieve it was she had one heck
of a year. Was it 2019 or 2018,where we had that multiple
winners year with regards tosome of the trophies at the
(30:18):
season ending honors. And Ilooked at some of her playing
record in Korea this past year,and she's just been continuing
that form -- just blisteringalong. So have you any thoughts
about how she might come backand kind of just miss not miss a
beat and just keep on going aswell?
Sophie Walker (30:36):
Yeah, the Korean contingent is so strong right
now. And they are fighting toget into this Olympic team in
Tokyo, it means so much to them.
So I would expect them all to beplaying in as much as possible
with World Rankings availableand playing as well as possible
also,
Douglas Maida (30:57):
Which leads us to another one of the Korean
powerhouse players of the lastcouple of years and Sei Young
Kim -- a second major perhaps inthe offing?
Sophie Walker (31:06):
Oh, yeah, I mean, this is a big time player isn't
it? I really, really enjoywatching it up tell by the way,
my voice changes, just that youknow, like at CME, like you play
like this is like millions ofdollars that you're going for
here and it just doesn't seem tofaze her, she really enjoys
putting yourself under pressuresituations. Whereas I do think a
(31:29):
lot of players are lesscomfortable in those situations
you look in the men's gamessomeone like Tony Finau. Now you
can see him almost he tightensup and have the pressure of
winning and put even seen that Ithink with Lydia Ko recently,
you know, she's got in in thatposition, she can tighten up go
backwards. Whereas this playeris somebody that just almost
(31:51):
seems to get better, the more inthe fight that she is like, it's
like, get me there. And I'm evenmore comfortable. And also, like
when you talk about not wantingto make mistakes, I feel like
she's a little bit braver aswell, -- she will go for that
bit more and be a little bitkind of carefree if it comes off
(32:11):
or not like she's sensible, andin the most part of our game,
but if you need to pull off ashot, when it counts, she will
go for it. Like if she needs tohit it onto the 18th green in
two and she's in between, youknow, she's gonna step up and
take the shirt off. And thechances are, she's probably
going to pull it off. And thatwas kind of like about her,
Douglas Maida (32:34):
Yeah, I'll never forget that when she was first
on tour. That image of her isjust ingrained in my memory --
seeing her first of all, whenshe chipped in on 18 to tie
Inbee Park and then they went toa playoff and then from the
fairway -- she stuffed it fromthe fairway and just the
personality she brings to thecourse I just you know, it's
(32:55):
very infectious watching and youjust can't help but stand up and
cheer that player when she's upthere and just 'go, go go'. I
mean, I just love watching herplay. She's fearless in that
respect. Yeah,
Sophie Walker (33:06):
She sure is.
Douglas Maida (33:08):
Yeah. You mentioned Danielle Kang, she's
had a little bit of a slowstart. Do you think her games
moving in the right direction?
And what do you think some ofthe keys are going to be for her
going forward? As we prep forANA. I mean,
Sophie Walker (33:25):
I mean, slow start that she didn't win twice
on the comeback because I mean,stroke average is 69. Putting
the lights out and -- 'Okay,yeah, she's had only a top 10'
or something. Yeah, she's notplayed that much like she's,
she's well up there on the raceto the CMA. So yeah. She stayed
(33:48):
hot coming back after the COVID,obviously. But she's a big time
prior. And she will be she willbe up there that that is for
sure. And I was saying about howmuch this means the players. It
means a lot to her majors. Sheplays well in America majors,
her record everything. And theBritish (Open) is shocking. It's
(34:10):
almost like don't bother comingover Danielle, which I know
she's going to try and improvebut get her in America with the
history of the ANA. And I thinkthat she will, she will be up
there. She was up there lastyear to go on all right record
at the ANA as well. But yeah, Iwouldn't say too slow of a
start. She's just not won.
Douglas Maida (34:32):
Obviously in comparison to last year where
she came blissed out of thestarting gates after the
restart. I guess that's a littlebit of a curse when you set the
bar so high that you startgetting measured to to those
standards or those new standardsthat you set for yourself.
Sophie Walker (34:49):
And also in the women's game it's really easy to
be overtaken like there's not adominant force, you know,
especially with the Koreanplayers going back to play on
KLPGA, it's opened everythingup. But, you know, you've got
Nelly one week, Jess the nextlike, it's it needs, it needs
one of these players to stand upand kind of dominate. Because
(35:14):
look how easy it is just, Imean, not forget, but like, you
know, forget I suppose. But themore events that played, you
know, with him played a lot thisyear, the more everybody will
just fit into his normal place.
But yeah, I think it's nice tosee a few of the American
players playing well, andwinning. But with all the Korean
(35:35):
players now and the Thai playersand the -- Well, basically the
Asian players coming back, Ithink we're going to really see
the cream rise to the top. Sothe American girls need to need
to really start stepping up asto the Europeans because this is
going to be a massive year forwomen's golf. We've got the
Solheim, got the Olympics, gotthe five majors. And there is a
(35:56):
lot lot to play for
Douglas Maida (36:00):
Very much. So one of the players on the American
side that I've been watchingover the last couple of years,
in particular with herprogression has been Jennifer
Kupcho. Now, I don't know ifyou've seen much of Jennifer
outside of the majors. But I'vejust been impressed with how
well she has steadily improvedher play. And there's been a few
(36:20):
events where she's beencontending. She wasn't able to
get it done on the Sunday, perse. But she started to put
herself in the conversation forpotentially winning an event.
And she did well at KPMG. Shedid well at the Shoprite Classic
prior. I am I think she's verymotivated to make the Solheim
Cup team. And I think she'sgoing to be a little bit more of
(36:45):
a leader of the youngergeneration of -- and when I say
younger, I'm only talking forfive years difference. But for
some reason on the LPGA it seemslike it's a little bit more of a
gap than it would be, say in themen's men's age groups. But
yeah, I think she's a little bitof the newer, quote unquote,
generation of the Americanplayers coming up that I think,
keep an eye on. Is thatsomething you'd agree with? Or
(37:08):
do you think that I'm perhaps alittle over, over emphasizing it
or
Sophie Walker (37:13):
I mean, like, the way she carried herself at
Augusta, a couple years ago waswas incredible that back nine or
was something that I rememberfor a long while a long, long
time. And also, you know, youput against Maria fassi just
shows you doesn't it? Therewasn't much between them Augusta
and she really, really got togrips with this LPGA and, and to
do it during a very uncertaintime. It must be very hard to be
(37:38):
a rookie out there at themoment. You can't mix with
people, it's a lot harder totravel, you've got a lot of
barriers. And it just shows youhow good a golfer she is to
handle all that and how settledshe is as a person. And you
know, like look at Matt Wolff.
He's really struggling with thesocial aspect. I've spoken to a
few players as well that off therecord. They're really
(38:00):
struggling with it. So the factthat she's adapted so well. And
yeah, I think she'd be she'd bea good a good Solheim cup
player. Obviously, there's somany of them, but it's always
nice to have a name, isn't it?
So? Yeah, I like her, I like theway she plots the way around the
(38:20):
golf course. And as I say,really enjoyed watching her at
Augusta.
Douglas Maida (38:26):
You mentioned about some of the challenges of
being on tour and a lot of thedifficulties that players have
encountered this past year withthe Coronavirus break and and
all the new protocols that arein place on the various tours
and whatnot. It reminds me ofyesterday and the press
conference or the media day theyhad at the KIA Classic in
(38:47):
Carlsbad. I sat in and attendedand part of what I saw was a
remarkable interview with IngeeChun. Now, you know, we all know
Ingee, who won at the US Open in2015, and then she had that
record setting performance atthe Evian. She's also won the
Korean Women's Open. So she'sthe only player in the world to
(39:09):
have won three, you know, twomajors on the LPGA and one the
Korean opening in her nativecountry. So she was talking
yesterday, very candidly aboutstruggling with depression and
the effect that it's had on herfor the last several years. And
just the effect that it's had onin terms of being able to work
through it with her family andwith her coaches and whatnot.
(39:31):
And just what it meant to kindof rob her of joy when she was
playing golf. And something thatI guess she's enjoyed while most
golfers enjoy their entire lifeand it's a joy. So she kind of
shared a lot about thatyesterday and she was saying now
that she's in a happy place in agood place. She's with the
support of her friends and hercoaches and her family. She's
(39:53):
back to being the 'normal InGee'and the 'normal InGee' who
played so well in all thosemajors and has started this
season three events three top10, so 4th last week, or at the
last event, I mean, and so she'splaying very well. And she seems
to have her attitude and reallygood focus on the game coming
back. But I don't know. Did youhappen to catch any of that
(40:16):
interview? or any of the storiescoming out of that? Or?
Sophie Walker (40:19):
No, I mean, no, I didn't I didn't catch it. Time
differences is not ideal overhere. But I think it's, it's
just so much more acceptable,isn't it to talk about your
mental health, like physicalhealth is just a given. Everyone
talks about it, in fact, in allboasts about it, don't they? If
you I mean, if you go to thegym, you better put it on
Instagram or that it doesn'texist. But mental health, I
(40:43):
think it's something that peopleneed to speak more about
fairplay to her to do it infront of the world. I don't
think I'm coming from a player'spoint of view. Golf is your
hobby, it's your passion. Andthen you decide to do it as a
job. And then it's still, it'sstill, you've still got bring
(41:03):
the cash in all that likely,you've got no escapism, because
your escapism was your hobby.
And now you've not got a hobby.
And it's really easy for you, wesaw it with Yani Tseng didn't
we? Like if she didn't win thepress back in our home country,
it was like what's wrong withher, you know, and it really
beat her up. And I can imagineit can be quite similar, like
(41:25):
you've just spoke about howsuccessful she was. And the
pressure that she then putsherself under the press put her
on the family might put her onthere. And it can all get a bit
too much. And she will not bethe first and it's just can you
get yourself out of it. And youknow, the grind of trying to get
better on the range is isenjoyable. It's good fun. But if
(41:46):
you're not seeing it in aperformance, it's almost like
what what else can I do sointeresting that it was just
like her mind, it wasn't anypart of her swing, but and how
she's coping with it. But sheneeds to stay on top of it.
Because like a swing fault,this, this or this could easily
(42:07):
creep back. And so it's great tosee a back up there on the
leaderboard. And let's just hopethat playing good golf doesn't
equal happiness. Like you needto be happy in playing good golf
or bad golf. But it is hard todo because it's your job. And if
you're not doing your job, well,it does affect you.
Douglas Maida (42:28):
For sure. One of the other things she credited is
that she's got a little morestability. Now. I guess in the
offseason, she bought a house inthe Dallas area. So she's now
got a home base. She's veryclose to Sei Young Kim, and
they're very much friends. Shewas speaking in the interview
yesterday about the two of themhaving some social events even
and being able to enjoy somethings off the course, in that
(42:50):
way sort of being able tonourish the soul, if you will.
And she talked about the joy ofbeing able to have a nice that
Sei Young Kim organized a nicehouse warming party for her. So
Sophie Walker (43:01):
Yeah,there's that little things.
Douglas Maida (43:02):
Yeah, yeah, yeah, it is very much. So. One of the
names that I've conspicuouslymissed and haven't chatted about
yet --- Brooke Henderson. Shehasn't had the strongest start
to the season. But she playedwell the last time at the ANA.
For her and Nelly it's almostthe same story. A little bit of
(43:24):
unfinished business for the oneof those two or for both of
them.
Sophie Walker (43:27):
Yeah, I think Brooke she's probably at that
stage in her career where she'sgonna define herself by majors.
So I wouldn't look too much intoit the fact that she's maybe not
started as well. Like we saidbefore, there hasn't been that
many events. But also she'sshe's a major player that's
(43:48):
that's kind of where she is inher career right now and that's
what she wants to do so I wouldalways put her to compete; she
plays well on tough golf coursesand majors are normally tough
sells. And yeah, Nelly'sobviously one this year so's her
sister. Sister's got a greatrecord at ANA actually so yeah
(44:08):
unfinished business but I thinkit's going to be better than the
walls not there because it's allit's like it doesn't remind you
you can almost put it down soyou can say 'I didn't win last
year because that wall - thatwalls gone so I'm gonna I'm
gonna win this year.'I mean actually, if Nelly had
hit the fairway down at sheprobably would have won but
there is a way of trying topsychologically getting your
(44:30):
head around it by saying thatwalls gone that could that was
the reason I lost that won'thappen again we're actually
watching it you know Brookemissed a short one then she and
the playoff hole and Nellydidn't hit the fairways. But of
course we've got so much coursehistory it's quite, it's easier
to pick out who's going to dowell there and you do see the
(44:51):
usual suspects you know BrittanyLincecomb with a good record
around there, hasn't she? So Iwould expect all the players did
well last year to maybe featureagain this year. It's only been.
And was it September? Was itlast year? So? Yeah. Six months,
seven months? I'd expect theusual suspects.
Douglas Maida (45:13):
Yeah. Still very fresh memories. So going
forward, any thoughts about whatto watch for maybe in the KIA
Cassic or, and who might bepotentially coming out of that?
Like, I mean, let's talk aboutsome of the European plays. I
mean, Charlie's a favoriteobviously. Do you see an Emily
(45:33):
Kristine Peterson or SophiaPopov or anything like that?
Being able to strike again,coming up this weekend. Next.
Sophie Walker (45:43):
Yeah. Let's Anne van Dam, some great work with
Sean Foley. And it's, you know,like, she puts a swing video up,
everybody loves it. And then thenext comment is how she hasn't
won more. So that's, that's,that'll get in his head. And
it's a big, big year for a beinga Solheim Cup year. So she needs
to start turning that swing intoperformances. And I think she's
(46:05):
actually accepted that and she'sgoing to take that on. But I was
pleased to see Bronte Lawplaying better. I really was --
tough year for her last year.
And so you know, you can writeit off didn't count as such, I
suppose on money lists andrankings and stuff like that.
But it was really I'm reallypleased to see kind of Bronte
(46:27):
back back in there. And thisthese type of courses and
Carlota Ciganda. I mean, thisgirl is so good. I mean that you
will not see anyone hit a golfor better than she will. It's
amazing. how well she hits thegolf ball. Terry Mack on the
(46:47):
bag, Annika's ex-caddy willknow, Carlsbad well, he'll
certainly know Mission Hillslike the back of his hand. So
I'm expecting Carlota to reallykind of step up this year. And I
can see a winner. If she's gonnawin a major, I can see it being
(47:08):
the ANA.
Douglas Maida (47:12):
And why is that just because of -- its of
course she's familiar with sheknows her caddy knows they can
just be that much more prepared.
Sophie Walker (47:19):
And I would say it's not there's less variables,
British Open's got variables.
Evian -- the course is variable.
Douglas Maida (47:28):
weather?
Sophie Walker (47:29):
Yeah. And it's with maybe KPMG is another one
up there as well. It's like aball strikers course. And you
don't necessarily have to haveto be the best putter in the
world. If you look at the listof winners, they've had a good
put in week, but they're youwouldn't say that they were the
best putters in the world. Andso yeah, I think this is the
(47:51):
one. This is the one thatCarlota can do. can do well in
and she's more of a streakyputter, I would say. Fabulous
short game, actually, the more Ispeak about and the more I can't
believe that she's not one moremaybe. So I'm talking her up so
yes, come on, Carlota. I cansee. I want, I want her to do
well, I think a lot of Europeanswould like to do well also.
Douglas Maida (48:13):
Well, you know, over the last couple of years,
she's put herself in contentionfor a Sunday. And then just
hasn't quite been able to finishit off.
Sophie Walker (48:20):
I think she gets nervous. I think he's a bit
she's a very sensitive soul.
She's very, she's very caringgirl. And I think the nerves get
to her. And so yeah, if she canget over that, then she would
have definitely won more.
Douglas Maida (48:38):
Did you have much opportunity to playing with her
on the European tour?
Sophie Walker (48:40):
Carlota's has been beating me since she was
13. So yeah, I think.
Douglas Maida (48:44):
Well, I appreciate your sense of humour.
Sophie Walker (48:52):
Yeah.
Douglas Maida (48:54):
Yeah, yeah. So you've gotten to see her and
play with her and learn a lotabout her just from inside the
ropes alone.
Sophie Walker (49:00):
Yeah, just just hits ... the flight that she
gets on our driver. I mean, shewent you played at the "Golf
Sixes" which is the pair's eventand she played with the men. I
mean, she she played when sheplayed with, I think it was
Eddie Pepperall. And I can'tthink of the other English guy
was she was up there with Eddie.
She hit it as long as him. Soyeah, she's she's just very
(49:25):
good. Hits par fives in two(shots), or this is where I
think with it, where we weretalking about course design. I
think if the courses do become alittle bit shorter and the par
fives become reachable. I wouldexpect Carlota to win more.
Because when I played with heron the LET she's hitting all
four par fives in 2 (shots)comfortably so she's picking up
(49:45):
four shots is a given, becauseshe's so good to agree. And so I
think that will that'lldefinitely help her.
Douglas Maida (49:55):
It's kind of like Rory when and some of the better
players when they say that theyhad good weeks or they have
winning weeks, it's usuallybecause they played those par
fives under par. Nearly everyround so.
Sophie Walker (50:07):
Oh, and the rest life? Yeah, you've got to be
you've got to be better than forthem they're sometimes to really
make an affect.
Douglas Maida (50:15):
Okay, well that's a pretty good review of the ANA
preview of the ANA. So if youhad a fantasy picks, who would
you pick your three? Let's gowith three seeing as it's just
you and I today on the show.
Sophie Walker (50:32):
Kim, Ko and i picked Carlota up so I'm gonna
go for Carlota. You can haveyour Americans and Canadians I
let you have them.
Douglas Maida (50:46):
And a player to -- an a potential. I don't wanna
say "Dark Horse" but a potentiallong shot if you will or not.
Not quite the favorite butsomebody you think could
possibly do well?
Sophie Walker (50:58):
Rose Zhang, the the one that was an am
Douglas Maida (51:01):
Oh Rose Zhang
Sophie Walker (51:01):
Yeah, sure. Yeah.
Douglas Maida (51:03):
last week?
Sophie Walker (51:04):
No, no, she did well there last year. Like she's
got it. She did well there as anamateur one year. Last year, the
year before. Yeah, she's done.
Well, there is an amateur. Shewas there last year, but
obviously played decent. Sheplaying? I don't know she's
playing. But I'll be honest, Iam working on the ANA next week.
And I will be doing far moreresearch for it. But yeah, I've
(51:26):
only I've only got a smallbrain. I can't put too much into
it too short now.
Douglas Maida (51:35):
Well, Sophie, thank you so much. It's always a
pleasure having you on as aguest. You're fantastic. And
despite your self deprecation.
You're very, very well versedand always on top of things and
terrific insight to share withnot just myself, but all the
listeners that we have. So thankyou so much for that. And let me
ask you, what's up next for you?
Sophie Walker (51:57):
And I,
Douglas Maida (51:59):
you've got the ANA that you're getting ready
for.
Sophie Walker (52:01):
Yeah, short term, it'll be kind of back to Golf in
England. So plenty of golflessons. Yes, that doing the ANA
coverage, the Le T is notlooking like starting till maybe
June time, May, June. So Iwouldn't be back on the telly
for that until then. So in themeantime, just trying to keep
(52:21):
myself out of trouble, not catchCOVID. And yeah, trying to get
everybody back, not only towhere they were, but hopefully
to improve their golf for theseason.
Douglas Maida (52:34):
Well, you know, working with you, I'm sure
that's gonna be a much moreeasier task than if they weren't
Sophie Walker (52:40):
Oh I tell them how it is. Don't worry.
Douglas Maida (52:44):
Well, there you go. Sometimes you really need
that coach. Well, thank you,Sophie. And we look forward to
chatting with you again soon.
Sophie Walker (52:54):
Thank you.
Douglas Maida (52:57):
And that Ladies and gentlemen, concludes our
show for today. Thank you verymuch for listening in. And may
you have a wonderful couple ofweeks till our next podcast and
we meet up with you again. So inthe meantime, remember if you're
out playing golf, you want tokeep that ball in the short
grass. On behalf of Sophia,myself and our producers, thank
(53:17):
you and have a great day.
Amy (Studio) (53:20):
You are listening to "We're Talking Golf" produced
by the world of golf. Thisepisode was recorded on March 24
2021. If you have an idea for afuture show, please send us an
email to info@worldofgolf.org... please include "podcast
show" in the subject line. Thisshow is the copyright of the
(53:41):
World of Golf. Thank you
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