Women & Golf speak to 22-year-old Annabel Dimmock as she prepares for in this year’s fourth Major, the Evian Championship in France from 25 to 28 July.

After a ruthless battle at The Jabra Ladies Open earlier this year, Annabel Dimmock sealed the deal on her first Ladies European Tour win. And it was definitely worth the wait; the victory has also seen her secure a spot in both the Evian Championship and the AIG Women’s British Open 2019 – the final two majors of 2019. 

So, how does the budding super-star feel about competing in two of the most notorious championships in women's golf?

You won your first LET title earlier this year at the Jabra Ladies Open. How did that feel? 

It was a massive relief to win as I feel I was playing well enough for a while, so I was very happy!

Having already won at the Evian resort, has that given you confidence heading into the Evian Championship?

Yes in the respect I know the course well and have good memories there too.

How do you feel about playing in two majors in the same season?

It’s not actually my first major, I played in the British Open at Kingsbarns a few years ago, but didn’t have the best of weeks so I’m excited to play in these two majors, competing against the best in the world and hopefully feel more settled this time around. It’s always great for your game to play in these events because it’s where you learn the most about your game. And that’s how I’m going to look at it this time.

How will you prepare for two consecutive majors? 

I won’t want to overdo anything. I'll try to stay fresh mentally and physically. Keeping my short game sharp is the main key for me, as I can always find my long game. 

What’s next? What are your goals for the rest of this season?

Another win before the end of the season would be really cool but I’m just trying to say focused on each and every tournament and see where it leaves me at the end of the year. And, hopefully, jump up the order of merit a bit more!

We talk a lot at Women & Golf about what the industry needs to do to attract more women to the game, including relaxing the dress code, introducing new formats, and shaking up the traditional tee system. What do you think?

I think golf is starting to be seen as a slightly cooler sport than it was a few years ago which is good, and I think relaxing the dress code slightly could do this. Golf can be very time-consuming so if we could come up with a solution to this it would help because I think that’s what can put people off too, especially women. I would love to see more ladies play the game because it can be the most rewarding sport at times.

You give a lot back to the game, including running golf clinics for children in Thailand. Why is that important to you?

This is so important to me. I love seeing the younger generation get into golf and enjoy it. Golf is such a great sport for kids as it can teach you so many great life skills. 

What advice would you give to girls and women just getting into golf?

Keep it fun, get one of your friends into it too so you have someone to play and practice with to ensure you are enjoying it.

Who are your idols? 

I have a few idols, but at the moment with Wimbledon on I’m so inspired by Serena Williams. Her story of being a mum and still one of the worlds best is pretty impressive and great for other mums and girls to see.

Away from the golf course, what do you like to do in your free time?

Life can be very pressurised at times with golf so I like doing stuff that takes my mind of it, like relaxing and having fun with my friends, family and of course my dog Freddie… Just the usual 22-year-old stuff. 

Everything you need to know about the Evian Championship 

The fourth of the five majors, the notorious spot at Evian-les-Bains in the foothills of the French Alps has been a shining star in women’s golf for 25 years.

In the impressive international field are four young wildcard picks, none older than 22 years old; Yealimi Noh (17, USA), Maria Fassi (21, Mex), Julie McCarthy (20, Irl) and Albane Valenzuela (22, Swi) as well as the five players who qualified for the championship: Annabel Dimmock (Eng), Pauline Roussin-Bouchard (Fra, am), Daniela Iacobelli (USA), Cindy Ha (USA) and Shi Hyun Ahn (Kor).

The reigning Women’s British Open champion Georgia Hall will also return after a break this summer. The 23-year-old from Bournemouth will tee up in the Evian Championship, while next week, she will defend at the fifth major, the AIG Women’s British Open.

CHAMPIONSHIP FORMAT

120 players; 72 holes, stroke play; after 36 holes, the field will be cut to the top 70 and ties

PURSE

$4.1 million USD; winner’s portion is $615,000

WHO’S IN THE EVIAN CHAMPIONSHIP FIELD

Past Champions (5):

Angela Stanford (2018), Anna Nordqvist (2017), In Gee Chun (2016), Lydia Ko (2015), Hyo Joo Kim (2014)

Evian Masters Winners (3): 

Inbee Park (2012), Paula Creamer (2005), Laura Davies (1995, 1996) 

To see the full list of players and for more information visit: evianchampionship.com

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