Written by Karl Plume
(Reuters) – If things go as planned for the U.S. team at the Paris Olympics, the women’s golf podium will be adorned with the Stars and Stripes for medal-favourite America and collectively represent the top-ranked players in a tournament featuring 33 nations.
American Rose Chan told Reuters in an interview that sharp mental focus and perfect putting will be the key to conquering Le Golf National and beating a strong women’s field when they tee off on Aug. 7.
The U.S. women’s team, which includes world No. 9 Chan, as well as former Olympic champion and world No. 1 Nelly Korda and current world No. 2 Lilia Vu, is in danger of dominating the medal list.
“It would be really exciting if we could sweep the medals, but my goal is to maximise the experience I get from being there,” said Chan, who is 21 and competing in his first Olympic Games.
“Everybody wants to compete for a medal so it’s going to be really important going into this week doing our best and not getting too upset by all that noise,” Zhang said.
While Olympic champion teammate Korda will help her and Vu, who is also making her Olympic debut, overcome some rookie jitters, Chan believes the bright lights of the LPGA have prepared them for the experience.
“The three of us could just get together, block out everything and go about our business.”
“It’s a bigger stage but it’s the same sport. What we’re doing is the same. I don’t think my lack of (Olympic) experience is a disadvantage in this situation,” she said.
Le Golf National’s demanding layout will test players’ course management and short game, said Chan, who previously competed on the course as an amateur.
“You’ve got to make sure you put the ball in the right spot. There’s a lot of links-style golf shots, which are very unique. But there are holes that aren’t links-style. That’s when you have to stay on your toes and be the most focused.”
“Once I get my swing right, course management and course strategy are going to be key. The main thing on this course is making sure I can putt well. That’s one of the things I’m trying to fine-tune before I get there.”
(Reporting by Carl Plume in Chicago; Editing by Tom Hogue)
