First USGA title in her 50s and mental toughness

Helen Alfredsson hasn’t played competitive golf since last year’s U.S. Senior Women’s Open, but she doesn’t sound overly concerned about that fact. The 2019 Senior Women’s Open champion sold her home in the U.S. last March and now lives full time in her native Gothenburg, Sweden. She likes to take long walks with her American Bully Bella, a mixture of Pit Bull Terrier and American Staffordshire Terrier.

“She’s similar to me,” said Alfredsson. “Quite strong, quite moody but very loyal.”

Alfredsson, 57, heads to Kettering, Ohio, this week for the fourth edition of the Senior Women’s Open at NCR Country Club (South Course). One of the all-time great characters in the game, Alfredsson graduated from the U.S. International University in 1988, and after a short stint as a model, joined the Ladies European Tour, where she won 11 times.

In 1992, “Alfie” joined the LPGA and earned Louise Suggs Rolex Rookie of the Year honors. She won seven LPGA titles, including the 1993 Chevron Championship, and twice finished runner-up at the U.S. Women’s Open.

Golfweek recently caught up with Alfredsson to talk about her Senior Women’s Open title at Pine Needles, Swedish golf, her amateur golf schools and mental toughness.

What follows are excerpts from that conversation:

Winning a USGA championship

Helen Alfredsson of the European Team waits on the practice ground during a practice round prior to the start of the 2009 Solheim Cup at Rich Harvest Farms on August 19, 2009 in Sugar Grove, Illinois. (Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images)

Obviously we didn’t play (Pine Needles) as hard as it was for the younger girls, but I think it’s an extremely tough golf course. You have to be aware on every single shot where you place it. The consequences can be so extraordinary. It’s not like it just falls off – it falls off 40 yards.

When the juices fly and you feel like you’re in control of your game, I think that’s the ultimate feeling. That’s what we all strive for. I felt extremely grateful to have one type of USGA trophy.

The importance of mental strength

Helen Alfredsson of Sweden plays her second shot on the 11th hole during the second round of the U.S. Senior Women’s Open at Chicago Golf Club on July 13, 2018 in Wheaton, Illinois. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

I was one of those that played eight in a row, no problem. Now, after one week your…