Sophie Keech, who represents Bridport and West Bay Golf Club, returns for her third year on the LET Access Series. With the experience Sophie has gained from playing on LETAS, she has her sights set on her first professional win and goals of gaining her full Ladies European Tour card for the 2019 season. We catch up with Sophie and ask her a few questions..
How have you been preparing for the season through the winter months?
I’ve had lessons with my coach Karen Nicholls at Millfield School on a two-week basis covering all parts of my game.
I purchased a Huxley putting green so I’m now able to practice my putting on a good surface in all weather conditions.
I also joined the local gym to work on strength, power and rotation.
What are you working on in your game at the moment?
I’m currently focusing on 100 yards in. I have a drill, which is when I get to 100 yards or less I will drop down a second ball and play it as a ‘par 2’ giving myself a challenge each round. I change the distance on each hole.
What else have you been doing other than golf since the 2017 LET Access Series season?
I work at Pandora in the winter. This helps fund my 2018 season.
I had a club fitting with Titleist and I have new clubs on the way which will be ready for the 2018 season.
I’ve spent time with the family before I start traveling.
What tournament are you most excited to go to this year and why?
The WPGA International Challenge at Stoke by Nayland. This is the only tournament in England and it brings back good memories as I was the best amateur in 2015, then the following year I turned professional at the tournament.
What did you learn from last year on the LET Access Series?
I have learnt in my game I need to become patient and play within myself.
What advice would you give to a new member on the LET Access Series?
I would advise them to arrive to the tournaments with plenty of time to get to know the area and the golf course, to be comfortable and more relaxed for the week.
What would you recommend to people thinking about joining the LET Access Series?
Firstly, I would definitey recommend the tour to professional golfers who are looking to play tournaments and that are aiming to progress onto the Ladies European Tour. The Access Series has many tournaments from April- September and it gives you a very good indication of traveling, tour life and the competition.
What is your favourite thing about competing on the tour?
The lifestyle of traveling, meeting new people and visiting different countries really suits me and that’s something I enjoy doing. I am also a very competitive person, so playing on the LET Access is brilliant as they do hold a lot of tournaments each year.
What are your goals for 2018?
To win a LET Access Series tournament and to also finish top 5 on the order of merit to earn my LET card.
