ON A MISERABLE, wet day at home in Elie, Sally Watson takes the chance to cram in some extra revision in advanced algebra. As with any 16-year-old, this is a time of year when school exams feature high on the agenda.
But facing a few maths problems is an easy pressure set alongside the other fluttery, butterfly moments that lie in wait for this highly-talented Scottish teenager. A week on Thursday, Watson will line up at the Old Course, St Andrews, as a member o
f a Great Britain and Ireland Curtis Cup team facing the might of America.
It is the highest honour for any female amateur golfer. For Watson, who is one of four Scots in the home team, it is another vital step towards her dream of a successful career on the LPGA Tour in America.
Nearing the completion of her second year at the David Leadbetter Golf Academy in Florida, she has already become accustomed to the US way of life, and her golfing credentials suggest she will soon be qualified to join the elite of the women's game.
A winner of the Scottish Girls' Championship when she was just 14, Watson reached the final of the British Girls' Championship the following season. Last year she proved she is already good enough to take on the professionals when she qualified, and then played all four rounds, in the Ricoh Women's British Open at St Andrews.
With a game far ahead of her years, you sense that the wee girl inside of her is itching to turn professional. But the fast-maturing young lady has decided that the US college circuit would be a better way to prepare for the tough, uncompromising grind of the LPGA circuit.
"Unlike sports such as tennis or swimming, golf has no sense of urgency," she sensibly assesses during a short break from the algebra. "I have another year at school in Florida, then I'll be 18 and have a big decision to make.
"I really want to go to college 100%. I love learning, and it will help me become more independent. Also, the competition is so high in college golf that it will be great for my game.
"I think that playing on Tour could be quite an isolated lifestyle and it might take a few years to really settle into it. But when I do turn professional, I want to become the best player. If I don't make it, I want to have a degree and be able to do other things."
With her academic ability almost on a par with her golfing prowess – she wants to study psychology and business – Sally has already sailed through the American university entrance tests and is being wooed by many of the top establishments. They crave an asset to the golf team.
At the moment, Stanford University in California appears to feature highest on her list. Recognised as one of the very best for both academic and sporting prowess, former students include John McEnroe, Tom Watson, Tiger Woods and Scotland's own Mhairi McKay. Michelle Wie is a current freshman. "I've been to the campus, and the golf facilities are out of this world," says Watson. "There is a golf course and the most perfect practice facilities that you could ever imagine. It's really exciting, but also quite daunting. Mum and Dad are behind me all the way, but this is the first big decision in life that I really have to make on my own."
If she needs any persuading that Stanford is the correct choice, then McKay is more than happy to chip in. "I was really impressed by what Sally achieved at the Women's British Open last year, and I really hope she follows me and goes to Stanford," said the 33-year-old, who played in two Curtis Cups and is now a 10-year LPGA veteran.
"I wouldn't swap my degree for all the gold in the world. I met so many people at Stanford that have now become my best friends. That means more to me than anything."
After the Curtis Cup, Watson could have plenty of time to contemplate her future. She has a niggling knee injury dating back to the days when she played basketball for Scotland Under-16s and is resigned to undergoing surgery. "There is never a perfect time, but it has to be done sometime," she says. "If I get the operation next month, it would mean I would miss a lot of this summer's tournaments. But I want to get it out of the way."
But that's all in the future. This present is all about the 35th Curtis Cup, and trying to help Great Britain and Ireland win the trophy for just the seventh time. "I can't wait," she says. "I am a little apprehensive, but just so excited. I'm determined to soak up every single moment."
NAME: Sally Watson
DATE OF BIRTH: 10/07/1991
AGE: 16
KEY MOMENT: Standing on first tee with Dad (Graham) as my caddie at last year's Ricoh Women's British Open. First professional tournament and all my family and friends were in the crowd – best moment of my life so far.
INSPIRATION: My family – they have made so many sacrifices – and Tiger Woods. I admire his record and the way he conducts himself both on and off the course.
ASPIRATION: To become the greatest golfer I can and, hopefully, become the No.1 woman golfer in the world.
The full article contains 922 words and appears in Scotland On Sunday newspaper.
