Di Dougherty meets: TV presenter Zoe Hardman
Where do you play and what is your handicap?
I play all over really, wherever I get invited. My handicap is 23 but if I could stop putting like a muppet it would be much lower!
What are your strengths?
Probably my driving. I’m only little but I can smash the ball and it goes a fair distance. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of belting the ball off the 1st tee and it going in the middle of the fairway. My chipping from about 50 yards is also not bad, any nearer though and the ball could go anywhere…
Who is your favourite person to play golf with?
I have two. I’m really close to Rachel Drummond who is the pro up at The Buckinghamshire and we try and play together whenever we have the time. She is a calming influence on the course and going round with her is a bit of a masterclass. Plus she’s super patient when my game starts falling apart and the tantrums creep in! The other is my best friend Ben Bidwell, he’s just one of the funniest people I know.
Which is more stressful, presenting TV programmes or playing golf ?
Playing golf. I still have no idea why I can be striking the ball beautifully one minute and then not be able to connect with it at all the next!
Do you prefer inland or seaside courses?
Definitely inland . My favourite has got to be Stoke Park as I know most of the pros up there and I get properly looked after. I also love the fact that it’s got 27 holes to play about on. Another favourite has to be Wentworth.
What was your best round of golf ?
The last game of golf I played with my dad. He sadly died very suddenly this summer but over the years we’ve had some wonderful rounds together, just him and me chatting in the sunshine. We played nine holes together in July at his local course in Kent, this is a round that will remain in my memory forever.
Who is your favourite player?
Lee Westwood. He’s just so laid back and has this real northern charm about him. He once gave me a putting lesson and I always try and think about what he taught me.
I was lucky enough to play in Darren Clarke and Sam Torrance’s golf day this year and on the hole we got to play with with Darren, he was standing right behind me, along with about 20 other people and a film crew. Who is the most well-dressed golfer?
It’s got to be Alex Noren. He’s got that hot, blonde Swedish thing going on and he’s always immaculately dressed. I had a bit of a cringe moment with him when he walked past me and I got really nervous, and just blurted out ‘erm nice hat’. I’m so uncool!
Why is golf such a great game?
Because it constantly keeps you coming back for more. The game can make you
cry, throw your clubs down in agony, walk off the course and stick your middle finger up to everyone, but when you hit the perfect golf shot, you know you’re going to be playing for the rest of your life. It’s majestic.
Do you ever get nervous?
Absolutely. I was lucky enough to play in Darren Clarke and Sam Torrance’s golf day this year and on the hole we got to play with with Darren, he was standing right behind me, along with about 20 other people and a film crew. I was basically having a mini heart attack, just thinking ‘please don’t top it!’. Thankfully I hit the green. He told one of the other guys on my team I had
a good swing which made my year!
Finally, will Europe win the next Ryder Cup at Gleneagles?
I really hope so. It is the most fantastic competition and after that amazing comeback in the States I think the European boys will be on a roll.
Di teams up with Lynx – “We all remember Ernie Els and Fred Couples winning Majors with Lynx, the company are building on that heritage are keen to remember their history in today’s market. The company also recognises the importance of the women’s Tour.” lynxgolf.co.uk
