People in Germany expected a lot of me, especially when I got out of college. And as I kept telling myself that that player was still there and still capable of being one of the best in the world, month after month, year after year, the near misses wore me out. Everyone else believed in me but I lost some of that self-confidence.
Over the past nine months, healthy and playing well, my belief has returned. And at the Royal Troon, for the first time in my professional career, I could see myself holding the trophy before it really happened. I could, for the first time, close my eyes and see my winning face, see my name at the top, see myself not only among the best but as a great champion.
On a practice round in Scotland, I played with Jess and Nelly Korda and Jessica, who I’ve known since junior golf, asked me about my schedule. I told her I didn’t know because the AIG Women’s Open was a bonus. “I need to win to make a difference,” I said.
Sunday night, after winning, Jess sent me a text and said, “I like how we talked about it on Wednesday.”
Two years ago, I wouldn’t have mentioned a major win to another Tour player. I’m not sure the thought would have entered my mind. The fact that he did was part of my newfound belief.
One of the questions I’ve been asked since winning is: what has stopped you from quitting?
