North-east golfer Michele Thomson says this week’s maiden appearance at the Women’s British Open is further vindication of her decision to give her golf career a second chance.
Eight years ago, the former Curtis Cup player joined the Scottish Police College at Tulliallan Castle in Alloa and underwent an intensive 10-week course to become a police officer.
But the Aberdonian, who is attached to the Paul Lawrie Golf Centre, opted to give golf another chance and has not looked back since winning her way back on to the Ladies European Tour through the LET Access Series in 2016.
Thomson earned her place in this week’s Royal Troon event by virtue of claiming one of the 22 spots on offer at last week’s Ladies Scottish Open at The Renaissance Club and feels this week will mark a special moment in her journey from walking the beat on the streets of Aberdeen to returning to the fairways.
She said: “It has definitely been worth it.
“When I joined the police, I needed the break from golf and it has all worked out for the best.
“I’m excited to get the week going.
“Playing in my first major feels brilliant.
“It is a bit weird with having no spectators here to watch.
“But it is my first major and I want to enjoy it.
“I’m trying to treat it like any other tournament.
“You have to have the belief that you should be here and you can’t feel like you are just making up the numbers.
“I want to do well.
“It is nice to see what a major is like, albeit without the usual number of people around the course.
“Despite that lack of fans, if you are doing well by Sunday you are still going to feel nervous coming down the stretch.”
Thomson admits being part of the “bio-bubble” has been an added challenge to her first appearance in a major with players having to undergo Covid-19 testing and remain in the hotel when they are not out on the course.
She said: “I think everyone is finding it quite difficult.
“You are pretty much confined to the hotel once you get back from the golf course and you can’t really go anywhere.
“I have got my PlayStation with me and I have played quite a bit of Fifa. I can watch Netflix on it as well.
“I have been trying to keep myself busy.
“I didn’t want to get bored or think too much about what is coming up.
“I just try to take my mind away from golf.
“I have also been trying to stay out on the course a little longer so that I’m not staring at four walls for too long.”
Thomson tees off at 3.06pm in today’s first round alongside Haru Nomura from Japan and American Dana Finkelstein.
She said: “I just have to take it as it comes but I feel like my game is in good shape.
“I feel like anything could happen.
“You play against the Ladies European Tour girls every week and we also have a lot of the LPGA Tour players in the field.
“You don’t look at anyone and think they are a million times better than me.
“I have been reading a lot from past champions and what they have been saying.
“When you play links golf it is a case of damage limitation and anything can happen after that.
“I like having a late tee time on the first day and an early start on the Friday.
“Last week at the Scottish Open because of the delay I played at 2.30pm and I didn’t find it too tough having to wait.”
Thomson will head into the week with confidence on a course she knows from her amateur days.
She said: “I used to play the Helen Holm amateur event at Royal Troon every April.
“But the last time I played that was when I was 19 or 20 and I’m 32 now.
“It was a long time ago but now I’m back here the memories are coming back.
“I remember playing certain holes.
“It is one of the best courses I’ve played so it is great to be back.”
Thomson is one of five Scots in the field with Gemma Dryburgh, Catriona Matthew, Kylie Henry and Carly Booth also teeing up.
