Professional golfer Jess Hall shares her favourite golf memories, chooses her top courses in the region and further afield, and selects her dream fourball
Jess Hall’s golf career took a major step forward in 2025 as she turned professional at the age of 26 having competed internationally as an amateur following her college golf career at California State University, Fresno.
A member of the 2024 European Concession Cup team, Jess is a six-time Durham county champion and was the youngest-ever winner of the event when she lifted the trophy for the first time in 2014.
In 2025, she finished 16th on the LET Access Series order of merit, from which the leading seven players earned full Ladies European Tour cards for 2026.
This season, Jess will compete primarily on the Access Series, while she may also have opportunities to play on the LET later in the year having made the cut at Qualifying School in Morocco in December.
An honorary member of Bishop Auckland Golf Club, Jess is sponsored by Penny on the Move and The Pin at Ramside Hall, and supported by brands including PING, Northern Ball Markers, and Apeiron Clothing.
Here’s more from our round…
How much golf do you get to play?
When I’m not travelling, I’ll play two or three times per week and spend more time working on my game rather than just playing 18 holes every day. At events, I like to play one 18-hole practice round then nine holes the day before the first round.
How did you get into golf?
My dad played, and having walked the course at Bishop Auckland with him a few times, I started junior coaching at Ramside when I was seven years old. Everything went from there, I joined Bishop when I was nine, got into playing county golf, and climbed the golfing ladder.
Which is your favourite course in the North East?
Bishop Auckland will always be my home and I’m incredibly proud to be an honorary member. Darlington Golf Club is also very special to me as it was where I became the youngest-ever winner of the Durham County Championship.
And further afield?
I love the Old Course at St Andrews. Heading up there to play the St Rule Trophy as an amateur was always really cool, and playing that course in the final group on a Sunday was very special.
What’s your best score?
I shot 10 under-par at Brancepeth Castle, including a double-bogey on the ninth, during a North Region Close Championship.
Which is your favourite golfing memory?
Representing Europe in the Concession Cup at The Landings Golf & Athletic Club in Georgia was amazing. Getting announced on the tee was so cool, and it was a huge highlight in my amateur golf career.
What about your most embarrassing moments on the course?
When I was 14, I managed to five-putt from about 20ft in front of the England Golf selectors at the English Girls. I remember going backwards and forwards and just wanting the hole to end.
Do you have any golfing superstitions?
I always have to have four long tees, two small tees, a ball marker and a divot tool in my pocket. If I break a tee, I have to go back to my bag and get a new one.
What are your strengths on the course?
My short game usually keeps me going, and my chipping is something I can really rely on if I miss a few greens or the rest of my game isn’t quite where I want it to be.
And your weaknesses?
Distance of the tee was an area I could improve, so I’ve been working on that this winter. I’ve done some work with my physio [Dean Walker] as well as Stuart Parnaby, and some swing work with my coach [Brian Ridley], and I’m looking forward to taking that to the course when the Access Series season gets going.
Which is your favourite club in the bag?
I love both my PING G440 hybrids – I’m accurate with them and adding the five-hybrid has been really good for me.
Who is your best golfing friend?
I always enjoy playing golf with Bel Wardle from Cheshire. We’ve known each other since we were 13 and we get on so well. She’s on the Access Series too, and it’s great when we can travel and practice together.
What would you be doing if you weren’t playing golf professionally?
My college major was in events management, so I’d probably be working in golf doing something like that. I did a little bit of it while I was in college and really enjoyed it.
Who is your favourite golfer?
It has always been Ian Poulter. He was so unique when I started watching golf, and his story and the way he worked hard to reach the top of the game despite being told he would never get there has always been inspiring to me.
Which golf event do you enjoy most?
Playing the Old Course in the St Rule Trophy is so special, so I’d choose that one.
Who do you admire?
I only met her for the first time recently, but Jenny Lucas [nee Lee Smith] is so inspirational. The first winner of the British Women’s Open [in 1976 at Fulford], what she achieved in golf is incredible. She doesn’t boast about what she did, but getting the chance to spend time with her and learn about what she achieved on the golf course was really cool and I took a lot of inspiration from meeting her.
Which three people would join you in your dream fourball?
I’d choose Annika Sörenstam, the greatest female golfer of all time; Phil Mickelson, so I could watch his short game up close and learn from him; and my favourite player, Ian Poulter.
If you could have one mulligan, when would you have used it?
Back in 2022, I had a putt to win the English Women’s Strokeplay at Beau Desert and two putts to get into a playoff. I’d go back and hit that first putt a little bit slower, while still trying to hole it, please.
