Tonje Daffinrud won twice on the LET Access Series in 2014 to earn her Ladies European Tour card. The Norwegian currently sits in 8th place on the 2016 LET Access Series Order of Merit. Tonje answers some quick questions…
Full Name:
Tonje Daffinrud
Do you have a nickname your friends refer to you by? If so what is it?
The Americans had a hard time saying my name in the beginning of college so they gave me the nickname “TJ” or “Teej”
If you were stranded on a desert island, what three items would you take with you?
Well I would bring an inflatable boat, sunscreen and chocolate
If you could have an unlimited storage of one thing, what would it be?
Chocolate
What is your favourite activity you do when you want to relax?
I like to read. Reading takes my mind somewhere else and helps me to relax and rest
How do you spend your time in the airports?
Besides all the waiting I usually listen to music and browse the stores. I rarely buy anything, but it’s fun to look at things
What’s the best piece of advice you have ever received?
I think the most important advice I ever got was to be reminded why I do this and why I play golf. It is important to enjoy the journey and make the choices that is right for you. Only I know how I play golf best, then my team can help me achieve that
What is the weirdest thing you have ever eaten?
Duck tongue and chicken feet in China, not doing that again
If you had one word to describe yourself, what would it be?
Independent
Do you supports a sports team?
I’m a big fan of sports in general. I get motivated by big championships and tournaments in everything from alpine skiing to tennis
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Right now I want to go to Thailand and explore that part of the world. I haven’t been so far and I would like to check it out
What advice would you give to aspiring amateurs looking to turn professional?
I would encourage them to make their own choices and take the path that is right for them. And always remember why you play golf
Do you like cooking?
Yes I love cooking and trying out new recipes. Right now I’m obsessed with this vegan chef called Ella Woodward “Deliciously Ella”, so many great recipes
If you could have one celebrity follower on twitter who would it be?
Barack Obama
Tell us something you hate doing. Why?
I hate packing, even though I’ve had the training I always postpone it to the last minute
Where do you see yourself in the next five years?
As an Olympian
What has been you biggest golfing achievement?
Some of my strongest memories are from the Junior Solheim Cup in 2009, but one of my biggest achievements was becoming an All-American and making the first team when I was graduating college. Also winning two LETAS titles at the end of 2014 to claim the LET card for 2015 was great
What is your favourite golf course to play and why?
I have quite a few favourites, but one that sticks out is Whispering Pines in Texas, where The Spirit is played
Do you have any superstitions before playing golf?
I have many routines that I need to go through, but no superstitions
Age you started playing golf? Who /how did you get involved in golf?
I started playing when I was 10. I tried golf because my cousin played, but I started together with my dad
Age you gained your first handicap?
When I was 10
What is your best travel tip?
Always have earplugs and eyes shades available so you can take a nap and rest whenever possible
Your lowest ever round of golf?
65 (-7) at Kapalua Bay, Hawaii
What’s your favorite club in your bag?
My driver
What’s in your golf bag?
Putter, 59 wedge, 54 wedge, 49 wedge, P-5iron, 4 hybrid, 3 hybrid, 3 wood, Driver. All Nike. Besides the clubs I always have some extra clothes in the bag, nuts, energy bar and plenty of putting gadgets
What is your average driving distance?
Around 230 metres
What tournament are you looking forward to most this season?
I am really looking forward to our last event in Dubai. But before that we have plenty of good tournaments to look forward to
If you could pick a dream fourball partner who would it be and why?
I would like to play with Lydia Ko, it would be interesting to get to know her game
What is your favourite distance to practise?
80m
If you could learn any language fluently, what would it be?
Trying to learn Spanish so I guess that’s the one
What were your first set of golf clubs?
I had a little red bag with a putter, pitching wedge, 7 iron and driver with an alligator head cover.
Your team would be composed by…
Golf Coach: Jonas Lilja
Mental Coach: Cecilie Ystenes
Putting Coach: Jon Karlsen
Fitness Coach: Ronny Døhli
