Sarah Hammett and Abbie Teasdale are two of the brightest prospects in Australia’s amateur ranks. Here, they outline their ambitions for the future.
In this exclusive interview, we gain valuable insights into the remarkable journeys of two promising young golf sensations, Sarah Hammett and Abbie Teasdale. With impressive achievements and a passion for the sport, these talented athletes share their experiences, milestones and aspirations as they navigate their way through the world of amateur golf. Discover the dedication and mental resilience that set them on a path to potentially becoming dominant forces in the realm of professional golf.
Sarah Hammett (QLD), 16
Can you share the story of how you got started in golf and what keeps you passionate about the sport?
While my dad and brothers were out going to the driving range, I was dancing, doing ballet and jazz. When I was about 8, I decided to go with them and give it a go. I enjoyed it and started attending golf groups after school with heaps of other juniors and absolutely loved it. Ever since then I haven’t stopped. For me, I enjoy the competitiveness of golf and having the ability to travel to new places all around the world.
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You’ve achieved significant success in golf at a young age, with a World Amateur ranking of 112. Can you share some of your proudest achievements?
Some of my proudest achievements would definitely include shooting a 12-under 60 at Maroochy River golf course on the Sunshine Coast in the first round of the Katherine Kirk Junior Classic in 2022. I am very proud of my two top-10 finishes in the two Ladies European Tour events (2022 Australian Women’s Classic and 2022 Women’s New South Wales Open) that I have played in. Representing Australia in the past two Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific teams (2022, 2023) was also a great experience.
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Balancing school commitments with golf can be challenging. You are currently in Year 11 at Somerset College on the Gold Coast – how do you manage your schoolwork and golf training effectively? What advice would you give to other young athletes striving for success?
Balancing school and golf can be very challenging at times, especially if I am travelling away for tournaments. Managing my time well to ensure I am on top of assessment tasks is important. Lots of communication with my teachers to understand upcoming tasks and deadlines is critical and then trying to complete assignments early if possible so that I don’t have to worry about it when competing. However, at times I do have to take work with me to make sure I can keep up.
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Aside from your golf pursuits, what other activities or work do you engage in away from the course?
I like to hang out with friends and
family, go shopping and go to the beautiful beaches that we have here
on the Gold Coast.
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Golf can be mentally challenging. How do you stay focused and manage pressure during tournaments?
Golf is certainly an emotional rollercoaster and while it can be frustrating at times when you make an error, I try – not always successfully – to remain patient and keep focused on the upcoming shot.
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Golf is a sport that can teach valuable life lessons. What life skills have you gained from playing golf that you believe will benefit you in the future?
Golf is a great leveller and I think that has helped me develop my determination and perseverance as I strive to get better. It has also taught me patience and resilience, as things don’t always go your way.
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As a young golfer, what are your plans and aspirations for the coming years, particularly in terms of a professional golf career?
My goal is definitely to become a professional golfer on the LPGA Tour. But first I have to complete high school and then I am looking to go to the USA to university where I can continue my golf while studying. US college golf is very competitive and will enable me to keep developing my golf game while competing against some of the best amateur golfers in the world.
Abbie Teasdale (WA), 21
Can you share the story of how you got started in golf and what inspired you to pursue it seriously?
I got into golf through my dad. We lived on the 14th hole at North Manchester back in England, so he used to sneak us on when no one was around. And ever since I’ve just continued to play. But winning my first few junior comps and being picked for junior state teams inspired me to pursue it seriously, as it was the best feeling and made me love the game even more.
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You’ve already achieved remarkable success in golf at a young age. Could you tell us about some of your major accomplishments and how they have shaped your golf journey?
I managed to win the 2022 English Women’s Amateur, 2023 English Women’s Stroke Play and the 2023 U25s Women’s Stroke Play along with some Australian amateur events over the past few years. It boosted my confidence massively, which is what I needed. It also helped me to gain sponsorship from Callaway and Red Belly Active. I found it also helped me gain more respect and support from the members at my home club, Royal Fremantle.
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You’re the 151st-ranked female amateur golfer in the world. As you continue to progress in your golf career, what aspects of your game do you feel will set you apart and potentially make you a dominant force in professional golf?
My short game has always been the strongest part of my game, especially putting. I have been working hard on gaining more distance off the tee, as I’ve never been the longest hitter.
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Golf often requires mental fortitude and resilience. How do you prepare mentally for high-pressure situations on the course, and do you have a routine that helps you stay focused?
I have found that as I’ve gotten older and have been in more high-pressure situations, I’ve learnt to handle them better and have found ways to handle them that suit me. When I get home, I try to unwind from golf as I don’t see the point of overthinking it. On the course, I keep up the positive talk and breathing while also trying not to rush or fall out of my routine. My biggest thing to help me though, is to never look down, always keeping your head up and look at the treetops.
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Transitioning from amateur to professional golf can be a significant step. What are your plans and expectations for a professional golf career?
I am going to the Ladies European Tour qualifying school in December to try to get my tour card. I always have high expectations of myself, so I am really keen to get it and finally turn pro. I’d really like to do well on the European tour and eventually make my way to the LPGA. It’s a huge goal of mine.
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Many young athletes have role models they look up to. Who are your golf idols, and what have you learned from them?
My role model has always been Hannah Green. She makes such an effort to play golf and spend time with us when she’s home and the way she conducts herself on the course is really inspiring.
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What are your long-term goals in golf, and how do you plan to achieve them?
My long-term goal is to be successful on the LPGA Tour and hopefully win a major one day. I think working hard in every aspect and staying positive will help me achieve this.
Getty images: Yong Teck Lim/R&A, Tom Dulat/R&A
