Hull and Lunn to Advance Australia Fair

Katherine Hull and Karen Lunn

Australian duo of Katherine Hull and Karen Lunn are determined to enjoy every minute of the European Nations Cup in Spain this week. 

The pair will tee up in the 18-nation team event, which begins on Thursday at La Sella Golf Resort in Dénia, Alicante, representing Australia as one of the two invited nations in the field, along with the United States.

Both players admit that it is a dream to be able to represent their home country.

Hull said: “I’m stoked. I was so happy when Karen was talking about it because we don’t get an opportunity; in fact I think this is my first opportunity, as a pro, to represent Australia.

“You always want to do that as a kid and you get to do it in amateur stuff but never as a pro, so it’s awesome. I’m excited to be here. I had fun this morning playing the back nine and I’ve heard it’s a fun event so I’m really looking forward to it.”

Last year’s Portugal Ladies Open champion, Lunn added: “As a sports fan, like all Aussies are, you watch others playing for their country all the time and we just don’t get that opportunity very often. Certainly I’m not going to be around when golf is in the Olympics in six years time so this might be my last chance. I think every time you get the chance you have to make the most of it. We feel that we’ve got as good a chance as anybody going into this week.”

Australia, represented by Lunn and Karrie Webb, was runner-up to Sweden at the event 12 months ago, when the Swedish pair of Anna Nordqvist and Sophie Gustafson won with a birdie on the third play-off hole.

“I’m still not over it yet,” admitted Lunn, who has recently recovered from a back injury. “Play-offs are lotteries. We got into a very good position and they were too good on the day.

“It’s all about having fun. If you play well, you play well. It’s one of those weeks where it’s easy to get caught up in the event and try too hard.”

Hull, who earned her sixth career victory at last year’s Navistar LPGA Classic Presented by Monaco RV, added: “Typically the more fun I have on a golf course the better I play.

“We’re both strategists. We don’t do everything perfectly but what we do well is think well and that gets you into contention these days more than anything else.”

Lunn reflected: “Katherine hits it further than I do but we both hit it fairly far. We are good at recovery shots. We are both feel players, I think, which is good in this format, because you’re not going to play well for 72 holes.

“It’s a tough golf course, especially on the back nine, so you have to be patient and the rough is a lot thicker this year than it has been in previous years. I think our games match up pretty well, we hit the ball similar distances, hit our irons similar distances which makes it easier clubbing.”

Nordqvist and Gustafson Ready for Nations

Anna Nordqvist and Sophie Gustafson

Anna Nordqvist and Sophie Gustafson cannot help smiling as they recall their win at last year’s European Nations Cup in Spain.

The Swedes are back at La Sella Resort in Dénia, Alicante, to defend the title they won last year, by defeating Australians Karrie Webb and Karen Lunn in a dramatic sudden death play-off.

Gustafson showed her class when she hit an outstanding approach shot from 212 yards with a seven-wood, allowing Nordvqist to roll in a six-foot eagle putt on the par-five 18thfor Sweden to tie with Australia at 21-under-par after four rounds, 12 months ago. 

It took three more holes to separate the teams, but Sweden eventually won with a tap-in birdie. They have returned as the favourites for the title this week and staring down the fairway at the 448-yard 18th as the defending champion on Tuesday, Nordqvist said:“Obviously it’s a great feeling and so many good memories from last year. I just played the back nine and the course is in such great shape. It brings a smile every time I come here. 

“Walking down 18 where we made an eagle and had a good fight with Australia; it’s one tournament that I’ve been really looking forward to coming back to this year.”

The 23-year-old from Eskilstuna is enjoying being back in Spain and welcomes the opportunity to play alongside Gustafson.

“Me and Sophie are very excited to be back playing in a team event. You’ve got to make putts and it’s going to be a birdie fest I think.”

Sweden is one of the most experienced pairs in the field with a combined total of 19 years’ professional experience and 28 tournament wins.

“We are really close to each other in the US and we get on very well. Sophie hits it a little bit longer and I am pretty consistent so that makes us a really good team.

“She can take a couple of different lines off the tee and play a little more aggressive for example. You still have to back each other up. You have to play really well in order to win this week and there are many good teams,” Nordqvist added. 

“I’ve been playing pretty consistent this year. I’ll keep working hard on it and you never know but hopefully I can hit a few good shots out here this week.

“We don’t have that many team events and I think that’s what makes it really fun. Everyone wants to be here. USA comes with a really strong team and there were a couple more Americans that really wanted to make the team, so it’s just so special to play in a team and that’s why everyone wants to come here.”