Interview: Di Dougherty talks Lynx Golf
Golfmagic's Charlie Lemay sat down with the sports presenter to talk all things Lynx Golf...and golf
Why did you choose to be a Lynx ambassador and what does the brand mean to you?
I chose to be a Lynx ambassador because the brand really resonates with me. I grew up watching Ernie Els and Fred Couples play with Lynx clubs. A few family members also had some in the bag and always spoke so highly of their equipment. What the Lynx team are doing now is fresh, innovative and modern. They are capturing the imagination of golf fans around the UK and abroad and I'm delighted to be part of this movement. They have put time and money into innovative research and branding and this hard work is paying off. Not only do the clubs look fantastic they perform to the highest level.
How have the clubs aided your game and what have you got in the bag?
My Lynx clubs have certainly improved my game. I can rely on them - whether they can rely on me is another story! My confidence on the tee has increased significantly with my Parallax adjustable driver. To have that inner belief stood over my driver is key to a successful round of golf. The irons are smooth and sound crisp on impact.
- Boom Boom irons 4-PW (mens standard length) Soft Flex
- Parallax Adjustable Driver - Fitted with a regular Aldila Rip'd NV Shaft
- Boom Boom 3 Fairway 3 and 5 Woods - Fitted with regular Aldila Rip'd NV Shafts
- Boom Boom ALP1 Adjustable Putter 34" in length
Have you always been a golf fan and how did you get into it?
I have watched golf on TV ever since I remember. Mum and I would watch every weekend and I always remember the golf being on in the background when I was little. We are huge Faldo, Seve, Payne Stewart and Norman fans. It was great to see recently on TV footage of Payne Stewart winning the 1999 US Open using Lynx clubs and his caddy carrying the Lynx bag. Special times.
I first started playing at the age of 6. My first club was a chopped down wooden 7 iron, which I would use for every shot! My mum got me in to golf. She ran the junior section of Stockport Golf Club and helped set up the Cheshire and Derbyshire League, which I played in. I was the only girl for a while!
All my family play, my two sisters and brother, dad, aunties, uncles. Every summer my mum would enter me into competitions all over the North West with my cousin Tom. We have a family tournament every year too at the end of August. About 15 of us play in north Wales and the banter is great. Fierce competition for two days with a presentation and prize giving, we take it very seriously!
How are Lynx promoting the women’s game and what do you think needs to be done to get more people watching women? How can we get more girls into the game?
Lynx are the official golf club sponsor of the Ricoh Women's British Open for three years, which is proof that the team are completely behind the women's game. Lynx want to bring their ethos into ladies' golf. We are all about quality performance combined with style and elegance and having fun along the way.
Fifty percent of the range is also tailored to the female market, which shows just how committed the team are providing for female golfers. Lynx are a modern company who see the future of the ladies' game going from strength to strength.
To get more girls into the game we must start at grass roots level. Why not introduce golf as part of PE lessons at school? Golf clubs could also set up free after school coaching sessions or weekend classes for children. It only takes an enthusiastic coach to get the ball rolling. I also believe golf courses should be made more accessible to youngsters. Whether this be nine holes on a weekend or an hour on the putting green with mini comps created by those organising.
There are various LPGA and LET role models and these girls are so important. The likes of Paula Creamer, Mel Reid and Charley Hull promote a strong sporting image and are really showing all young girls what can be achieved with hard work and dedication. These role models need to be promoted as much as possible.
Who is the best golfer in the Sky Sports team and who is the worst?
I couldn't possibly say who the worst is, everyone is pretty decent! I am very impressed with the way Jamie Redknapp has dedicated himself to the game! He has been playing for a few years now and is a tidy single figured golfer. Ed Chamberlin is also pretty useful on the course, his chipping can let him down though! He won't mind me saying that.
What is your favourite golf interview you have ever done and why?
There have been a few - most recently interviewing Rory McIlroy after his win at the BMW PGA Championship. He is always great to speak to and gives open honest answers.
Post round interviews at the Majors are always fun. Studio based interviews are of course more in depth and over the years I've enjoyed chatting to Ian Poulter, Davis Love III and Steve Stricker. Great guys who give real insight into their golf games and lives.
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