The 2018 champion says motherhood has changed her perspective on playing the course where she won her major, with son Conor watching on from the gallery.

Georgia Hall says returning to Royal Lytham & St Annes, the scene of her 2018 AIG Women’s Open win, was the driving force behind her comeback from maternity leave.

Back where it all began

Hall described the return as an emotional one: “It was really cool to drive in on Monday, and it gave me like goosebumps. It was so nice of a feeling to be back here.” She said the memory of the course has already been useful in practice rounds. “I remember like every pin position, so that was really good.” Asked whether this week had been her target all along, she was unequivocal: “Yeah, 100 percent. This event, I didn’t want to miss this event wherever it was, but especially Lytham.”

The road back after Conor

Hall picked up a club again six weeks after giving birth to her son, Conor, starting at a driving range in Ireland. “I was really excited because I didn’t know how I was going to hit it and thought I might top it or something, but I actually hit it pretty good,” she said, though she noted her swing still needed work: “My rotation, like there is no rotation at all.” She credited much of her recovery to physical rehab, including pelvic floor work, gym sessions and cardio. Reflecting on Catriona Matthew’s return just 11 weeks after childbirth, Hall said she was in awe: “I really don’t know how you done it. You couldn’t dream of doing that. I couldn’t.”

Conor is with her at Royal Lytham this week, cared for by family while Hall competes. “I had a picture with him on 18 and that will definitely be my screen saver,” she said.

A tactical test at the new 11th

Hall picked out the redesigned 11th hole as the standout change to the course, calling it the most demanding tactical test in the Championship’s history: “They added more bunkers everywhere. It’s a great hole… you have to be brave on some shots. Can’t just lay back.” She said the layout, with bunkers lined in sequence, forces players to commit to shots rather than play safe.

Why this major means more

Hall said her ambitions since 2018 have centred on winning in the United States, a goal she has since achieved, but that Royal Lytham remains unmatched for her personally: “This event just outrides any other event for me. If I had to pick another major it would always be this one.” She pushed back on the idea that winning multiple majors changes how a player is perceived: “I don’t think so, no. I think whoever wins a major has to do something pretty special… I wouldn’t look at myself differently if I won another one.”

Hall plays her first round alongside Hinako Shibuno and Valentine Delon, who won last month’s Women’s Amateur Championship. Hall, herself a two-time Open amateur before turning professional, offered Delon some perspective: “Give yourself a break and really enjoy the experience… not to put any pressure on themselves and just enjoy the week.”

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