German ready for first Adelaide visit
Germany's star Sandra Gal is set to play the Australian Open in February at Royal Adelaide Golf Club.
This will be Gal's first visit to Adelaide and the Rio Olympian can't wait to arrive.
"I'm looking forward to the vibe of the place and the Fringe Festival," Gal told Our Sporting Life SA
"I'm also looking forward to the beaches and playing good golf."
She made 21 cuts from 26 events in 2016 which included a pair of top ten finishes, but she is all about looking forward; focusing on playing well in Adelaide.
"A top 10 would make me happy at the beginning of the season," she said.
"One of my goals is to be committed to every shot and to let go of results."
Over her career Gal has amassed $3,547,591 in prizemoney with the 2011 Kia Classic win her career highlight.
Gal even remembers her first ever prizemoney cheque she won, in fact the German says she is still yet to cash it in!
"My first ever prize money cheque was for about $50," Gal added.
"I never cashed it, I framed it."
Gal received her first set of plastic clubs for her fifth birthday and all her family vacations were 'golf vacations'.
But this only child wanted to become a fashion designer. Gal was also keen on ballet which she continued for 15 years along with tennis and wake surfing.
"But actually I did not practise golf seriously until I was 14," Gal said.
"This was when I started playing at a club near our house," Gal explained.
Gal explained her family are quite athletic with father Jan and mother Alexandra keeping very active.
"Both of my parents are very athletic," Gal continued.
"My dad played high level squash and has a black belt in karate.
"My mom has been a hobby (but seriously good) ballet dancer her entire life and both my parents enjoyed Skiing, Wind Surfing, horseback riding and tennis."
She believes her dad Jan has been the most influential person in her golfing career and has a tremendous amount of confidence in her.
"My dad has had the biggest influence on my career, because he believes in me the most," she said
"He understands my swing and now takes the role of my manager."
Gal is passionate about her charity golf event that she raises money for an organisation called 'Volunteers of America'.
The Charity Challenge Pro-Am supports the most vulnerable people of America and Gal would like to encourage them to follow their dreams.
"Since 1896 Volunteers of America have served and supported the most vulnerable people of America such as homeless individuals and families, veterans, underprivileged youth, people with disabilities and those recovering from addictions," Gal said.
"I have had the privilege of being brought up by two loving parents, who have always helped me to realize my dreams. That is why I would like to support these people and encourage them to follow their dreams."
“Golf has taught Gal many life lessons and she’s become happier through meditation.
"It has helped me grow more peaceful and happy.
"My favourite course is Cypress Point in California, because I love the scenery.
"It is located right on the ocean, where Sea Lions hang out, I also love the majestic, old Cypress trees."
Let’s hope Royal Adelaide can be added to her list of favourite courses.
The Australian Open starts on Thursday February 16 at Royal Adelaide Golf Club with tickets available from http://premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/show.aspx?sh=GOLFAUS17.
Images- J.Gal
