Kylie Walker relieved to win

Kylie Walker has told bunkered.co.uk of her ‘huge relief’ at finally claiming her maiden Ladies European Tour title at last weekend’s Deloitte Ladies Open in Holland.

The 27-year-old Glaswegian, who held a two-shot lead going into the final round at The International near Amsterdam Airport, overcame Nikki Campbell and Malene Jorgensen at the second extra hole of a sudden-death play-off to seal her the win and a cheque for €30,000.

“I’m over the moon to have finally won,” said Walker. “It’s a huge relief. I played well there last year and liked the course, so I was quite confident going in. I felt comfortable and managed to give myself a lot of chances, mot of which I took, so it was great to get the job done.”

As a consequence of winning, Kylie Walker has climbed to seventh on the LET money list and has secured her place in the fields for two majors later in the year: the Ricoh Women’s British Open at Royal Birkdale and the Evian Masters in France.

“The perks that come with winning are really pretty good,” Kylie Walker acknowledged. “I had been scheduled to go to qualifying for the Women’s British Open, so it’s great that I don’t need to worry about that now. I played in the tournament when it was at Carnoustie a few years ago, so I kind of know what to expect, and the fact that it’s being played this year at Royal Birkdale, which is one of my favourite courses, is a nice added bonus.

“As for the Evian, getting in there is massive as well. It’s such a tough event to qualify for, so I’m thrilled.”

“I actually missed my flight out of Amsterdam on Sunday night, what with everything that happened.”- Kylie Walker

After closing out her win, Kylie Walker was doused in champagne by her fellow Scots Vikki Laing, Pamela Feggans and Pamela Pretswell and admits that she has been overwhelmed by all of the messages of congratulations she has received so far.

“It’s been incredible,” she said. “I actually missed my flight out of Amsterdam on Sunday night, what with everything that happened, but if there’s ever a time to be happy about missing a flight, that was it.

“I got home on Monday afternoon and had a bit of a celebration with my mum, dad and brother, and Facebook and Twitter haven’t really stopped with people saying well done.”

“we’ve been through pretty much every high and every low that you can imagine.”- Kylie Walker

Kylie Walker also paid tribute to her boyfriend, Scott Henry, coach Kevin Craggs, and her sponsors for their part in her success.

“I spoke to Scott on the phone afterwards and he was so delighted for me,” she said. “We’ve been together so long now that we’ve been through pretty much every high and every low that you can imagine, so it was nice to call him with such good news.

“Kevin, meanwhile, has been great for me,” said Kylie Walker. “He works so hard and has never lost faith in me, even over the past couple of season when my results and performances haven’t been as consistent as they might have been. He’s stuck by me 100% of the way and has never lost any enthusiasm, so he deserves huge credit.

“And then are my sponsors, particularly Team Scottish Hydro and Aberdeen Asset Management, who both invest so heavily in golf. It’s because of people like them that I’m able to do what I do. I wouldn’t be on tour without their support, so I feel like this victory is partly theirs, too.”

Kylie Walker: Me, Myself & I

Get to know Kylie Walker a little better with this exclusive video we shot with her at Bothwell Castle Golf Club late last year. Click here.

Michael McEwan is the Deputy Editor of bunkered and has been part of the team since 2004. In that time, he has interviewed almost every major figure within the sport, from Jack Nicklaus, to Rory McIlroy, to Donald Trump. The host of the multi award-winning bunkered Podcast and a member of Balfron Golfing Society, Michael is the author of three books and is the 2023 PPA Scotland 'Writer of the Year' and 'Columnist of the Year'. Dislikes white belts, yellow balls and iron headcovers. Likes being drawn out of the media ballot to play Augusta National.

Deputy Editor