Anna Nordqvist – Solheim superstar touches down in Doha

You’ve had another great season on the LPGA Tour with a sixth career win at the ShopRite LPGA Classic. How do you assess your form ahead of teeing it up at the Qatar Ladies Open? Anna Nordqvist: I’ve been playing strong all year, so I would say my form is pretty good teeing it up in Qatar. I’m looking forward to competing.

 

You finished fourth at the Omega Dubai Ladies Masters in 2009 and 2014 and you were runner-up in 2010. Do you regard the Middle East as a region you are comfortable playing and competing in and are you looking forward to playing in Qatar? Anna Nordqvist: Yes I really enjoy playing in the Middle East. It’s a great place – the hospitality is always really nice and the golf facilities are excellent. I’m sure Doha Golf Club is no exception. 

 

With this being the inaugural LET event in Qatar you wouldn’t have played Doha Golf Club but as the venue for the Qatar Masters event for many years you may have heard that the Peter Harradine course has a widespread reputation as a fair but tough course, especially when the wind blows. Would that be to your liking?  Anna Nordqvist: I haven’t played here before but I’m not averse to playing in the wind or anything like that. I like all kind of conditions. 

 

Over the past couple of years you have upped your participation in the gym – is that for injury prevention or to get fitter for a sustained life at the top level? Anna Nordqvist: It’s all about injury prevention – I need to take care of my body to prevent injuries so I can play at the level I do for a sustained period of time.

You’ve had two very consistent seasons in 2015 and 2016 – would you say this is a result of your fitness work or have you also increased your practice regime or improved your all-round game? Anna Nordqvist: Yes, definitely.

You’re very active on Social Media – how import a tool is it for you to connect with your fans all over the world? Anna Nordqvist: It’s my way to connect to my fans and something I really enjoy.

You finished 11th in golf’s return to the Olympics in a very strong field in Rio – how proud were you to fly the flag of Sweden this year? Anna Nordqvist: It was a goal of mine since golf was announced as an Olympic sport again and I’m very proud to call myself an Olympian.

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - AUGUST 16:  Anna Nordqvist of Sweden poses with the Rio 2016 sign during a practice round prior to the Women's Individual Stroke Play golf at the Olympic Golf Course at Olympic Golf Course on August 16, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.  (Photo by Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images)

How important is the Olympics for golf when it comes to growing the game around the world? Anna Nordqvist: It’s very important to grow the game and showcase the game to parts of the world that might not usually see it – either on the TV or in the newspapers.

You travel a lot on Tour, how do you unwind during your weeks off and what do you like to do to relax from the pressure of competitive golf at the top level? Anna Nordqvist: I like to watch a movie of just go for walks around Lake Nona where I live in Florida. 

What’s one key tip for an amateur? Anna Nordqvist: I would definitely recommend practicing putting before going out on the course to play. If you get a feel for distance control that can help boost your confidence.

 

QUICK 9 WITH ANNA

Living in America – do you follow American Football or Baseball or any other sports over there? American Football

Cinema or concert? Concert

Burgers or hot dogs? Burgers

Favourite movie? Shawshank Redemption

Favourite singers?  There are too many!

Favourite Course? Mission Hills in Palm Springs, California

Any superstitions? No – they get in the way!

Best friend on Tour? My phone

Biggest Influence on your career? Annika Sorenstam

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