With the Grand Final of the Rose Series about to kick off, the Wentworth golfer tells Harriet Shephard about why she’s in such a good place right now.
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For me, being able to follow and report on the amazing Rose Ladies Series over the last few months has been an absolute joy and pleasure.
And I know it means so much more to those who have actually been taking part.
Speaking to several of the players throughout the Series I’ve learnt that they all have their own amazing stories to tell, too.
From Hannah Burke’s fight back from injury, to Nicola Bennett’s efforts for achieve better equality in golf, I’ve loved watching these talented ladies get the attention and recognition they deserve.
I had time for one more socially-distanced catch up before the Race to the West begins, and I decided it just had to be with a certain very stylish player who has been floating about in the top ten since the very beginning.
Yes, although Annabel Dimmock watched best pal Gabs Cowley lift the trophy at JCB a few weeks ago, she hasn’t quite managed to get a win herself (but that could be about to change).
“Coming second at JCB was a bit annoying to be honest,” she said.
“But then when I found out it was Gabs I wasn’t too upset. If I wasn’t going to win she would be my second choice. It’s good for me as well because we spur each other on. If she plays well then I play well and vice versa.
“We’re so close, almost like sisters. It was so nice to see her win, she really needed it.”
Throughout our chat she was in typically great form, full of positivity, jokes and clearly beyond excited for the final, particularly as the last round is at her home club Wentworth.
“I’m feeling a bit of pressure from the members as they keep saying how great it would be if I won there,” she joked.
“I’m really looking forward to watching the girls play the West course, hoping a few of us have good rounds. The guys always find it really tough so it will be amazing to watch the girls totally rip it up.”
As with Open venue Royal St. George’s, the Rose Series will be the first professional women’s event to ever take place on the prestigious West Course.
Like me, Annabel thinks this is a very big deal.
“It’s great because it shows we do have the ability to compete at these places. Hopefully other venues see this and question why they don’t host women’s events too. Wentworth aren’t old fashioned though; they are very supportive of women’s golf and it’s just been pot luck that we haven’t played there before. They are so excited to host us.”
As we've said many times this summer, the Rose Series has helped give women’s golf more attention than it has had in a long time and also provided essential preparation for the players ahead of the LET restarting.
“Women aren’t getting overlooked this summer, and let’s be honest we have been before,” Annabel said
“Things are changing, we do have a long way to go but lots of people have got really invested in the Series and that's so nice for us. Because normally it’s all about the men, and now the focus is more on us. It’s been really refreshing actually.
“I think it’s been more successful than a lot of people thought it would be and for me it’s been a great confidence boost.”
Annabel has also loved being able to play so close to home.
“I’ve owned a place for a while but it’s meant I can properly move in there and start to feel settled. I’m so lucky to live in such a nice area. When you feel good and settled it makes your game come together as well.
“Travelling is part of the job but the expense of it all adds extra pressure and subconsciously that can weigh on you. Going to far flung places I'll think “oh I better have a good week because I spent £1,500 on getting here.” So it’s been ideal to have an opportunity to earn money without paying out so much on expenses.”
Annabel is currently seventh in the standings for the Order of Merit, and with huge players such as Georgia Hall, Charley Hull and Meghan MacLaren all competing in the final, she admits it could be anyone’s game.
“I’d obviously love me or Gabs to win. But so many of the girls are my friends so I’ll be happy for any of them. The final should be great, it will be a real test with so many points up for grabs. I still think it could be a few people at the minute, a few of us are playing really well and we’re all making the most of this opportunity.”
Looking into the future she wants to play on the LPGA, but not before her best pal is ready too.
“I want to maybe win again and feel like I’ve completed more of the LET before I go. The dream is for me and Gabs to move to America together and do it at the same time, we're always talking about it. Maybe in about two years when we’re ready to 100 percent commit.”
Watch out America...
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