For many months, Catriona Matthew and Janice Moodie have been bombarded for information from their LPGA Tour colleagues. The question the world’s best players have all been asking is: “What is it really like to play at Carnousite? Is it as tough as it looks on TV?”

The reason for their curiosity is that the Ricoh Women’s British Open takes place over the course for a first time this month – July 28-31. Even for the very best, it is going to be a daunting challenge.

But Matthew is certainly well-placed to provide an insight in what it takes to tackle the beast.  After all, she tamed the famous Angus links to win one of her three Scottish Amateur Championships in the early 1990s.

She’s also knows what is required to win a major. The North Berwick 41-year-old enjoyed a career peak when she became the first Scot to win a major at the Ricoh Women’s British Open at Royal Lytham and St Annes two years ago. Now she admits that it would be “an unbelievable experience” if she could produce a second win in front of a home crowd at Carnoustie. 

“I had a trip up to play Carnoustie six weeks ago and it was in great shape,” she said. “I think it will be a real challenge and I know all the players are looking forward to it. Everyone keeps asking me about it. I tell them it’s really tough!”

As for Moodie, she also gets good vibes from Matthew.  The Glasgow golfer hopes to take a leaf out of her good friend’s book by winning the title just a few weeks after the birth of her second child.

Sophie - Matthew’s second daughter – was just 11 weeks old when she won in 2009 and Matt – Moodie’s second son – was born in March.

“I’ve played one event since Matt arrived and made the cut. I also played well the first outing after I had Craig (now four years old) and then Catriona won at Lytham,” said Moodie, who is married to an American, Tim Carneval, and is based in Cleveland.  “We’ve both shown that it could be good for your golf to have kids.

“I just missed getting into the US Women’s Open when I lost in a play-off at qualifying, but I’ve been lucky enough to be handed a sponsor’s invite to Carnoustie. I’m going to come over a few days early and start practising over the course on the Sunday of Championship week. 

“I’m going to play a lot over the next few weeks. I feel I’m striking the ball well and just need to work a little on the chipping and putting.

“I’ve played Carnoustie a few times – usually in driving wind and rain.  In fact, I think I’ve only once seen a blink of sunshine. But it will be terrific to get back to Scotland and see family and friends. I’m really looking forward to it.”

Taiwan’s Yani Tseng, the world No. 1, will be defending the tile – and chasing a remarkable fifth major at the age of just 23.

“I’ve played with her a few times and she is going to be a hit favourite,” said Matthew. “She reminds me of Annika Sorenstam because she is just so consistent.”

Matthew is also sure to be among the leading contenders as she chases a second major. She even knows how it feels to win on home turf - the 1998 McDonald’s LPGA Championship numbers among her seven career victories.

“It’s a long time ago, but it was great winning at Gleneagles,” she reflected. “As for the British Open, the win didn’t exactly change my life but it did give me a greater inner confidence.  This season, I’ve been playing well so I’m looking forward to the European run. One of the goals is to get into the Solheim Cup and, at the moment, I would get in from the world rankings. 

“I’ve been traveling with Graeme (her husband and caddie) and the girls (four-year-old Katie and two-year-old Sophie) so it will be nice to get home. I’m coming back for the Evian Masters the week before Carnoustie.”

Matthew has had four top tens this season and is currently ranked No. 35 in the world. “It’s been a good season so far,” said Matthew. ”I’ve been working with coach Kevin Craggs for just over a year and he has definitely helped my game. We keep in touch via video.”

For Matthew and Moodie, there will be plenty incentive to do well at Carnoustie. For the rest, a unique challenge awaits. 

EB

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