Well what a spectacle for Women’s golf, the most amazing venue and crowds to match for the highlight of the year.

The biggest names in Women’s golf were attracted to the Southport venue of Royal Birkdale with many eyes on the newly crowned US Open Champion Michelle Wie and England’s rising star Charley Hull.

Golf, as we know has a habit of throwing surprises and this was no exception especially on a traditional links course where the slightly misaimed tee shot or wrong shot selection can ruin that scorecard and put pay to the dreams of any player.

The player who was victorious was little known Mo Martin a self confessed short hitter compared to her colleagues, and prior to the event had achieved very few top 10 finishes on the LPGA.

Mo was a product of the US Futures Tour which is similar to the Ladies European “Access Tour” which consists of a full playing schedule of superb events helping to prepare the players for the bigger stage but more importantly offers automatic selection at the end of the season for the top few players to their Major respective Tours.

It was fantastic to see the live TV coverage with my compatriot Maureen Madill and even Maureen could not have predicted the spectacular finish. The gloriously struck 3 wood from a slightly hanging lie which nudged the flag paving the way for Mo Martin to courageously hole an 8 foot putt for an eagle 3 which was to be decisive for her first Major win.

Only two players in the field shot 72 on the final day in horrendous conditions Mo Martin and Anna Nordqvist that demonstrated the severity of the day.

Here are some of my key thoughts on playing successfully in the extremely testing conditions:

• Great Acceptance conditions and treat as a challenge (Mentally tough)
• Play within your limitations
• A concrete course management plan (flexible)
• Meticulous planned yardage books accounting for all weather conditions
• Great distance control and feel
• Variety of shot making skills
• Dare I say it “Enjoyment”

I was very impressed with the players demeanour on the course and the week really won some fans for sure.

Next time you step out on to the golf course in tricky conditions try to plot your way round the course in a sensible way playing within your limitations just like Mo.