Golf can get complicated, and in its intricacies lies a lesson that’s oft forgotten. In the pursuit of getting it right on the golf course by delving deep into technicalities, associations often take a backseat.
Beth Allen has been through that. From struggling on the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) in the United States to equally mediocre stints on a lesser tour, the genial American came to realise she was merely going through the motions.
For one who lists laughing among her interests, the joys of turning out with compatriots had started to be overlooked and teeing off week-in, week out became a mundane activity.
“If I had one bad day, you felt worthless. Now, I don’t feel like that anymore. It’s helped me build relationships. It’s lightened my outlook,” she said in an interview to an international sports website.
The change in outlook was brought about by two factors --- a change in tack that saw her shift focus to Europe (the Ladies European Tour) and the subsequent reversal of fortunes.
More important was her deed that defined kinship. Beth donated a kidney to her ailing brother Dan, and till date stays thankful at being able to play a “small part” in changing his life.
{{/usCountry}}More important was her deed that defined kinship. Beth donated a kidney to her ailing brother Dan, and till date stays thankful at being able to play a “small part” in changing his life.
{{/usCountry}}That was for the family. For herself, Beth, now in a much better frame of mind, has worked her way up on the LET and finds herself atop its order of merit.
After two back-to-back wins, the 34-year-old will be keen to keep the momentum going at the Hero Women’s Indian Open this week. Since its makeover, the DLF Golf and Country Club has bitten many a professional, as was evident during its formal unveiling during last year’s edition. For Beth though, given the state of her craft, it will be a challenge to relish.
Over the last decade, the event has grown from being an event on the Ladies Asian Golf Tour, to an event on the international schedule of the Ladies European Tour. In the 2016 event, 114 players from 32 countries are expected to participate.
Know Beth Allen
Age: 34
Residence: San Diego, California
Turned pro: 2005
World ranking: 79
Current ranking on LET: 1
Top-10 finishes this season: 7
Favourite golfer: Phil Mickelson
Interests: Karaoke, wine, food, happy hours, yoga, laughing