Dame Laura Davies has achieved more than most in her exceptional career. Rather strange, therefore, that breaking 70 would give her so much pleasure. But there is a good reason.
The British star – who competed in the Andalucía Costa del Sol Open de España Femenino at Aloha in September – was inspired to join the professional ranks through her membership of West Byfleet Golf Club, and almost 40 years after joining the Surrey club the 53-year-old was awarded life membership to mark her outstanding golfing achievements.
Those achievements had not, until now, included being able to break 70 gross at the course, but she finally fulfilled that objective with a one-under 69 in the David Regan Farewell Pro-Am. She was playing from the men’s white tees, with the 6,200-yard course stretched to its maximum length.
According to the Ladies European Tour, Dame Laura agreed to take part on the condition that she would be in the same team as David Regan, “the person that the superstar credits with being the most important influence on her game”. David has retired from West Byfleet after a 45-year association with the club that included the last 34 as head professional.
It was, reports the LET, a poignant time in the pro-am for Dame Laura, who had looked to be coasting to victory after a brilliant run of six threes in seven holes from the eighth before a couple of bogeys hauled her back to one under.
“It was great to come back here and play here,” she said. “The course has really improved and I was made to feel really welcome. David Regan influenced my career the most. He instilled in me fundamentals that have served me well throughout my career, so I was delighted to come back and support his farewell pro-am. West Byfleet Golf Club will always hold special memories for me.”
Laura’s 69 was matched by Nick Flynn, a professional attached to West Byfleet, while Dan Painter, who has become head assistant at the club working alongside new head pro Jon Field, carded a level-par 70 to finish third.
