NORDQVIST EMBRACING DEFENDING CHAMPION STATUS AT AIG WOMEN’S OPEN

Last year’s AIG Women’s Open was a dream came true for Anna Nordqvist as she won her third Major title securing a one-shot victory at Carnoustie.

With her husband Kevin from just down the road, everything came together, and the Swede clinched the title she had dreamed about since she was little.

“It’s obviously a very special honour,” said the seven-time Solheim Cup player. “If someone would have said when I as a young girl that I would one day win the AIG Women’s Open, I probably would have told them they were crazy.

“It’s probably the biggest childhood dream I’ve ever had, especially being from Europe. It is very special. I’m going to embrace the opportunity teeing up on the first hole being announced as the defending champion.

“It’s been a huge honour having the trophy and getting to share it with my friends and family for the last year. Half of the time I’m probably still pinching myself that I went through to win because for me, I don’t think it could have been a more special place than Carnoustie.”

It is an historic week with Muirfield hosting the Championship for the first time – a golf course which is regularly rated among the top courses in the British Isles and top 20 in the world.

And Nordqvist, who is number 24 on the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings, managed to play the back nine on Monday.

“It’s going to be a challenge, but I think it’s an amazing venue,” said the 2022 Big Green Egg champion. “I’ve never been here before.

“I think it’s going to be a true Women’s Open with the conditions. So far, I’m really impressed with the venue and all the setup, and it just really feels like a Major with the atmosphere and everything.

“I thought the back nine was great. I just tried to see it and tried to figure out what bunkers to stay out. It was a little bit windy yesterday but nothing like today. I think what’s cool about it, is the holes go in all different directions, and you’re going to have to deal with wind in all different directions.

“I kind of like that challenge, having to challenge some bunkers or having to maybe aim in the thick rough and letting the wind play a part of it. I love this kind of game and I really embrace every time I come back to Scotland and am getting to play links golf.”