Laura Davies has always believed age is just a number, but after narrowly missing out on becoming the oldest player to win an LPGA Tour event last month, the 51-year-old legend comes to Dubai with renewed motivation and confidence in her game.
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Davies started the final round of the Mizuno Classic in Japan tied for the lead but after a final round one-under par 71, she finished one shot short of the three-way tie for lead.
And the ‘golf in DUBAi’ ambassador, who was made a Dame by the British Queen earlier this year, is looking forward to turning her eighth consecutive appearance in the season-ending Omega Dubai Ladies Masters into a winning trip to a city she loves.
“I love it obviously, one of my favorite tournaments of the year, not just on the European Tour, but during the year itself. I love the course, love the people, I just enjoying being here,” said Davies.
“The finish in Japan is huge for me. Obviously, when you nearly win on the LPGA, you know you’re playing well and putting well, which has always been the biggest thing for me the last couple of years.
“It’s a huge confidence boost and shows I can still win and I think that week proved that I could.
“I haven’t done well the last three years around here, purely because of putting, not ball‑striking. The way the course sets up, left‑to‑right and right‑to‑left, it suits my game. I’m not saying I’m confident I’m going to win it, but I’m hoping to be in with a chance come Saturday morning when the final round starts.”
Despite winning 84 titles worldwide, including a record 45 wins on the Ladies European Tour, since turning pro in 1985, Davies said she still has ambitions in the game.
“I’d love to win the Nabisco because that would be my final major that I haven’t won. But just to win again…that’s obviously a big thing. Just to win two more tournaments on the LPGA to get in the Hall of Fame,” she said.
“There’s lots to play for still and I just love competing. I love the fact that I’m competing against 18‑year‑olds and I still think I can stand toe‑to‑toe with them and beat them on any given day.”
Laura Davies will be participating in a Q+A at this year's Middle East Golf Awards (MEGAs).