Dame Laura Davies has decided not to play in the 2024 AIG Women’s Open.
At 60, this would have been her last exempt year for the tournament at St Andrews. Instead, she chose to step back and focus on her broadcasting work with Sky Sports.
Davies shared with Sky Sports that her game isn’t strong enough anymore. “I’m just not playing enough golf now to warrant a spot in the field,” she said. “As it gets closer, I’m getting sadder and sadder with the fact I’m not going to be playing there.”
Reasons Behind Her Decision:
The decision wasn’t easy for Davies, who always looked forward to this event. “It was a really tough decision, but I think it’s the right decision. I wouldn’t be looking forward to it because my game is not good enough,” she admitted.
Her increasing role as a commentator has taken up much of her time, leaving little room for practice. “Since I’ve been commentating, I’ve played less and less golf,” she explained. “I’ll still play some seniors golf, but when I turn up to play against younger players, the game is just not good enough.”
Fans might feel it’s sad but understandable why she’s stepping back from competing.
Earlier in her commentary career, balancing both roles was easier since she only did five or six events a year. However, after an eight-month break from playing golf, returning proved challenging as both skill and mindset had diminished.
Even crossing the iconic Swilcan Bridge one last time couldn’t change her mind about participating this week. She said: “If you’re just turning up because you just want to cross the bridge at 18, it’s for the wrong reason. I like to be the centre of attention for playing great golf, not just for the sake of being there.”
Last year at Walton Heath hinted at this outcome when she withdrew after six holes due to a wrist injury and mentioned it might be her final appearance.
Despite hoping earlier this year that she might compete if her game improved by then—”If I feel my game is good enough… but I’m not going to go there if I’m playing really horrible golf”—she stayed true to herself and opted out.
For the first time since 1979, Davies will not be part of the tournament field.
What do you think about Davies’ choice?
