Emma Goddard, from Liverpool in England, was a tournament winner during the 2017 season at the Riberia Sacra Patrimonio de la Humanidad International Ladies Open. We catch up with Emma to find out what she has been up to during the off season…
How have you been preparing for the season through the winter months?
I took some time off after the end of last season to give myself a rest and time to reflect on a season full off highs and lows both on and off the golf course, and started working again. I returned to a previous employer who asked me to come back and cover some paternity leave for 6 months, I got the clubs back out and spent the end of last year playing with friends at home playing in some of the fun competitions with the ladies section at Royal Liverpool where I was a member.
What are you working on in your game at the moment?
At the moment I am working on my approach play and recovery game, experimenting with different shots in different conditions. we haven’t made a lot of changes from last season just improving little things that will hopefully make me a better all round golfer this coming season
What else have you been doing other than golf since the 2017 LET Access Series season?
Since the season finished I have returned to work full time trying to save some money to allow me to compete again in 2018, I have a season ticket for Everton FC so I have been going to all the home games so far this season. I have also been asked to organise a charity golf day on behalf of The Bradley Lowery Foundation, a charity that has touched many peoples hearts all over the UK and I am honoured to be able to do this for them later this year. And generally spending time with family and friends
What tournament are you most excited to go to this year and why?
I think I am most looking forward to the Ribeira Sacra Patrimonio de la Humanidad International Ladies Open in Spain having won there last year. It will be exciting to go back as defending champion, it is something I have never had to do before, which is kind of exciting. The course suits my game as it is nice and tight, you have to be in the correct position off the tee.
What did you learn from last year on LETAS?
I think I learnt last year that it is a long year you don’t have to be at the top of the order of merit all year. I built my points up last year unfortunately falling one place short of regaining my full tour card to the Ladies European Tour but every point matters so I need to take that into this season to give myself the best opportunity of finishing in the top 5.
What advice would you give to a new member on the LET Access Series?
Enjoy it and remember we are lucky to be playing this game for a living, traveling the world with friends is something not a lot of people get to do.
What would you recommend to people thinking about joining the LET Access Series?
The Access Series is an amazing tour that allows professionals to gain valuable experience about what its like to be a professional golfer, as its a lot different to the amateur game.
What are your goals for 2018?
My goal for 2018 is to finish in the top 5 and gain my tour card after being so close for the last two years, its given me the extra motivation to do it this year.
