Screaming, feeding, nap times, changing? It sounds just like the normal daily routine of the golf writers during the peak season to be honest.
It’s all part of the day job too for Pamela Pretswell Asher as she enjoys the myriad delights and duties of motherhood. Her eight-month-old daughter, Kirsty, has certainly kept her busy but it’s time for the Scot to get back into the swing of her profession as she prepares to relaunch her golfing career in next week’s Aberdeen Standard Investments Ladies Scottish Open at The Renaissance.
“My last tournament was in Dubai in December 2017, which seems just like the other day,” said the 30-year-old as she reflected on a whirlwind period of cuddles, coochy-cooing and chaos.
“I don’t know where the time has gone, but I am enjoying motherhood. After having all of last year off, the plan was always to come back in the Ladies Scottish Open this year. I just started playing again in May so I’m looking forward to getting back into it.
“The event is just an hour-and-a-half from home so we can throw everything in the car. We’ll see how that goes and take it from there.”
Dipping her toe back into the rigours of tournament golf after such a monumental change to her life may take a bit of getting used to but inspiration is easy to find.
Her decorated compatriot Catriona Matthew famously won the Women’s British Open back in 2009 just 11 weeks after giving birth to her second daughter. Nothing to it eh?
“I’m feeling pretty good about my chances next week then,” said Pretswell Asher with a chuckle. “Catriona must just be super mum as life is so different when you have a child.
“At 11 weeks, you are still looking for your hairbrush never mind thinking about winning a major. Catriona was just incredible when you put it into perspective what she went through.”
Golf has given me so much. My Dad first taught me the game and since then I have been lucky to become a professional golfer, travel the world, make great friends, meet my husband through golf and I can’t wait to teach my daughter all about golf one day soon 💕 #WomensGolfDay
— Pamela Asher (@PamelaPretswell) June 4, 2019
Becoming a mum has given Pretswell Asher a new perspective too. Having turned pro back in 2012, the former Curtis Cup player earned promotion to the main Ladies European Tour that season and has been at the top table ever since.
The ravaging of the circuit’s schedule in recent seasons, with a lack of sponsorship leading to events dropping off the calendar, has been a real concern and players have struggled to simply make a living due to the lack of opportunities to ply their trade.
Motherhood, it seems, arrived at just the right time. “To be honest, the break has been good,” said Pretswell Asher. “There are less tournaments now and I think I was putting more pressure on myself as a result of that.
“When I played golf at university, it was a treat but as the years have gone on it had become a bit more intense. My head became a bit tired.
“Being a mum is obviously a full time job but weirdly I feel I am coming back fresher. I’ve got a fresh perspective on golf and life, I suppose.”
Given her prolonged absence from the tour, Pretswell Asher is still unsure how her future career will pan out. Like a baby with a dummy, it’s going to be a case of suck it and see.
“I don’t think I would be back full-time,” admitted the former British Women’s Amateur Strokeplay champion. “I have an exemption for this year. Once we get the schedule for next season, I will see what will work for Kirsty and myself.”
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