Like father like daughter

When sports stars reflect on their formative years, more often than not they talk about the sacrifices made by their parents.

Whether that’s working multiple jobs or spending hour after hour on a motorway, this dedication often proves crucial to future success.

However, once their child makes it to the top level, not many parents are able to stay on that journey with them – which is why Georgia Hall will be forever grateful that her dad was with her every step of the way when she won the AIG Women’s Open in 2018.

Wayne Hall, a keen golfer himself, caddied for his eldest daughter as she edged out Pornanong Phatlum at Royal Lytham & St Annes to win her first major title.

“It’s a memory I will treasure forever,” said Georgia.

“He didn’t really caddie that much either that year or in previous years, but he always did the Scottish Open and the AIG Women’s Open, so the fact I won one of those events with him there was amazing."

An avid sports fan, Wayne’s love of golf even influenced the choice of name for his first-born, opting for Georgia in honour of the US state which hosts The Masters.

He introduced his daughter to golf by taking her to a driving range near their Bournemouth home when she was just seven. The rest, as they say, is history.

“He used to go the range a lot and as I’m the eldest child I probably asked if I could go along with him,” explained Georgia.

“It was just something that we used to do and it was nice to have that bonding time. Looking back, I’m very grateful for that time now.

“He knew a fair bit about golf which has obviously been useful, and he used to drive me everywhere as well, which was very handy!”

Famously superstitious, Georgia believes she inherited that particular trait from her dad.

But he also instilled in her a fortitude that has served her well in her career so far.

She said: “I didn’t know my dad was superstitious until he started caddying for me. I thought I was bad, but he is something else; I obviously get it from him!

“I think I’ve also taken his mental strength. He can be very focused. Golf is obviously about talent and ability, but it’s also a sport where you have to be mentally strong.

“Maybe that’s a sport thing because dad has really helped me become mentally strong when it comes to golf.”

Encouraged to try as many sports as possible at school, Georgia was in the football, cricket, and cross-country teams. She also gave badminton a go before opting for golf.

With Wayne acting not only as her chauffeur but also her coach, Georgia soon excelled with a club in her hands, and went on to win the R&A Girls’ Amateur Championship in 2012 followed by the R&A Women’s Amateur Championship 12 months later.

Her triumph at Lytham completed a unique hat-trick of wins.

And she recognises the huge role her dad has played in her journey as she continues to perform in the top echelons of the game.

Georgia said: “My brother and sister aren’t massively into sport like I am. I do other things outside of golf like going to the gym and I still kick a ball around.

“My dad’s life revolves around sport as well so I think that’s why we connect so well. But we also joke a lot and have a lot of banter as well.

“When I’m away I’ll message him pretty much every day.

“It’s great that we share that same passion for the game and I definitely think our relationship grew a lot because of golf.”

Georgia will be in AIG Women’s Open action at Walton Heath in August when she could become just the sixth golfer to win the title more than once.

Adult tickets are available from £20, with Saturday tickets, including a full day of golf action and entry to an Ellie Goulding concert, priced at £55.