Georgia Hall: “If I wasn’t a golfer I’d be a spy!”

LPGA and Solheim Cup star Georgia Hall.

LPGA winner, Major champion and Solheim Cup star Georgia Hall answers quick-fire questions about golf, life and plenty in-between.

Georgia Hall returned to the LPGA winner’s circle for the first time since the 2018 AIG Women’s British Open as she defeated Ashleigh Buhai in a play-off to lift the Portland Classic trophy at Columbia Edgewater Country Club on Sunday.

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We sat down with the 24-year-old Solheim Cup star Hall, who was twice a winner on the Rose Ladies Series earlier this summer, for a quick chat about her life, career and preferred superpower, obviously.

Georgia, what is your earliest memory?

We went on holiday to Tenerife for two weeks when I was six years old. I can remember seeing Michael Jackson on television every night. I was a huge fan of his at the time. That was my first holiday – and my last one come to think of it. 

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What are some of your earliest memories of playing golf? 

I started playing at the age of seven. My dad used to play so after school we’d go down to the range and hit some balls. I remember I would go to a kids’ clubs at the weekend. At the end, there was always a competition to win a chocolate bar. That was the reason why I went really. I won five Snickers one day and ate them all in one go. Another time, there was eight competitions in an hour’s lesson, just before Christmas, and I won six. I got home and gave one to each of my family.

What was your first handicap?

I got my first handicap – 36 – at the age of nine and then in the space of one year, I got it down by 26 shots. So I was 10, playing off 10. That’s when I thought I could be quite good at this sport. That was a bit crazy. 

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What is your most annoying habit?

You should ask my boyfriend this one (laughs). But it is probably speaking before I think.

Your boyfriend (Harry Tyrell) is also your caddie. Has it ever caused any disagreements?

I think we had a couple at the start, because we were learning how each other works. I’m pretty calm anyway so we work well. It probably helps that he used to be a pro; he coached at a golf club in Surrey. We met and then he quit his job and started travelling the world with me. We probably wouldn’t see each other much if he hadn’t. 

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Another good reason not to use a pro caddie.

Yes. And I’ve grown up doing it all myself. I do all the yardages – Harry does some as well – but I always make sure I have a [yardage] book. It helps me think more and I like to make my own decisions. I don’t really like anyone else giving theirs and I think there would be a conflict. If my boyfriend didn’t caddie, I would probably have a friend or a family member carrying my bag. The most important thing about a caddie is getting on well with them, and knowing that they want you to do well from the heart. That’s what I appreciate the most.

You also rarely work with a coach on tour. Why is that?  

I like to keep things quite simple and natural. So, if I’m hitting the ball straight, I won’t bother. There was a period where I didn’t see my coach for six or seven months because I was playing so well. But if I do need help, I’ll go and see Dan Grieve at Woburn [Golf Club]. He’s been my coach for about three and a half years. I see him once every few months, and only for an hour or two. I’ve never actually seen a coach that much, even growing up, because I’m not very technical. I think about one or two things in my swing, that’s about it. I kind of go on how I feel. When I’m out on tour, it’s usually just me, my caddie and my mum. 

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What are your goals for the future?

On the course, I’d like to play in more Solheim Cups, win more tournaments and do well in the Majors. Off the course, I’d like to inspire more girls and juniors to play golf in the future. That’s more of a long-term thing. I’ve already hosted a little clinic for the kids, hitting shots with them and giving them tips. Between tournaments and in the off season, hopefully I will have more time to do that and give something back.

Let’s move away from golf and get to know you as a person. What scares you most?

Failing. I’m scared of not feeling good enough.

Have you ever said “I love you” and not meant it?

No. Never. That would be awful.

What has been your closest brush with death?

I’m not sure I’ve had one beyond very bad turbulence on planes. I’ve been lucky.

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If you could have a superpower, which one would you want?

Oh, I’d love to be able to tell what people are thinking just by looking at them. Although that could probably mess things up relationship-wise. Let me change that. Invisibility. I like the idea of being in a room and no one knows I’m there.

If you could travel in time, would you go backward or forward?

Definitely backward. It was safer back then. People were happier. There was less crime. And there were better singers. I miss Michael Jackson.

What is your main passion outside of golf?

Music. I listen to a lot of music. All different kinds too. Beyonce. Ed Sheeran. Rap. Although my Dad doesn’t think that is music.

What would Georgia Hall be if you she wasn’t ‘Georgia Hall the golfer’?

I’d love to be a spy. I’d be working for MI5. I can see myself tracking people down while in disguise. A female James Bond really.

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If you could change anything about the world, what would it be?

I’d make everyone in the world to be equal. Especially men and women. I know that has never really worked, especially in golf. But I’d like to see celebrities brought back to the level of normal people. And yes, I know communism has failed everywhere. But it looks good on paper.

Who would play you in the movie of your life?

Serena Williams (laughs). No, I’m not sure that would work, for obvious reasons. Let’s go with Angelina Jolie. Someone once told me we looked similar. Not sure I believed them though.

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Have you got any hidden talents?

I can’t juggle or anything like that. I’m left-handed but I play golf right-handed. Is that a talent? Hang on. I do have one. Lots of times I can look at people and know what they are thinking. No joke. I can tell what is going on in their heads without them telling me.

What am I thinking now then?

That I’m weird (laughs).

What is the best thing about being British?

Being British is the best thing in the world. We have so much history, wonderful people and, despite us being such a small island, we produce so many great people in all walks of life. Look at our record in sport. We punch way above our weight. We have talented people in so many areas. And we have good laws, especially gun control. I spend a lot of time in America and see what harm those things can do in the wrong hands.

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What is your favourite food?

McDonald’s (laughs). I don’t have it that often though. Maybe once a week.

What is your favourite destination?

I love the courses and the scenery in Scotland. And I can’t get enough of the Australian weather.

Where have you not been that you’d like to see?

Barbados, but I’m working on it.

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