England and Great Britain international Rosie Belsham on travelling the world, college golf, her favourite on-course memories, and lots more
Rosie Belsham’s golf career has been well-documented in the pages of Northern Golfer – from becoming the youngest-ever Northumberland county champion to winning the junior Champion of Champions event in 2018.
Having completed her four-year golf scholarship at Baylor University in Texas earlier this year, and struck up a partnership with Matfen Hall as she competes in the biggest amateur events this summer ahead of turning professional at the end of the season, we caught up with the 22-year-old in Northumberland to find out more about her incredible golf experiences to-date…
How much golf do you get to play?
As much as I can! I try and take one day off each week, just to reset, but other than that I’m playing and practising every day. Matfen Hall is my main base now and the facilities are amazing. Everything I need is here and the whole day is gone before I know it. I still play a lot of social golf at Whitley Bay with my mum and dad too.
How did you get into golf?
Me and my mum started at the same time, doing the junior and café golf programmes at Whitley Bay. We both played a lot of hockey, which helped early on. We’re still super competitive between ourselves and with my dad, and all of us play off single figures.
Which is your favourite course in the North East?
I love Bamburgh Castle, where I won the county championship, but my favourite in Northumberland is Alnmouth. I love it there, especially the holes with the sea views and the par three down by the beach.
And further afield?
My favourite place is The Alotian Club in Arkansas – it’s so special to play golf and spend time there, and the view over the valley is amazing. Kapolei Golf Club in Hawaii, where I won my second individual title in college, is also so much fun.
What’s your best score?
My lowest score so far was nine under-par in the second round of the Bridget Jackson Bowl at Handsworth. My most important round would have to be the last round in Guadalajara when I won my first college event. I’ve never been so nervous yet so clam, and I want to find that feeling in a big event again.
Which is your favourite golfing memory?
Winning the European Teams Championship at Conwy in Wales with England in 2022. I was out last against Italy in the final and I’ll never forget running up to celebrate with the team when Lottie [Woad] holed the putt for us to win. I love the team matchplay environment and it’ll definitely be something I miss when I turn pro.
What about your most embarrassing moments on the course?
I don’t think I’ve done anything too bad, at least that I can remember! I’ve turned up to the first tee without my putter a few times, but I’ve always had someone there to get it from the hotel room for me.
Do you have any golfing superstitions?
I’m not superstitious, but I do have a routine that works for me. I have to wake up at least three hours before my tee time, no matter when it is, and I have to tee off with at least four tees in my pocket.
What are your strengths on the course?
My short game is a real strength, I can chip it inside 6ft from anywhere! I’d like to think I’d be people’s pick for chipping when they’re building their perfect golfer.
And your weaknesses?
My wedge play is something I need to work hard on to stay sharp. It’s so important and while it’s always been OK, it needs to be a really good part of my game to score well every week.
Which is your favourite club in the bag?
My custom-built PING PLD putter, which was made for me at college. It doesn’t have a name from PING, so I call it Plod.
Who is your best golfing friend?
I like to compete against my dad the most as he’s the only person who can get in my head. For playing together, I’d say any of the girls in the England squad. I’ve grown up with them and we’re all good friends.
What would you be doing if you weren’t playing golf?
I majored in kinesiology at college, but I’d probably be playing another sport like hockey.
Who is your favourite golfer?
Suzann Pettersen is my golfing idol. She set out a list of goals, achieved every one of them, and then went to live a more normal life. It’s amazing to be able to say you ticked every goal off your list.
Which golf event do you enjoy most?
I’d love to go back and have one more run at the national finals with Baylor. I played in them four times, but never got that perfect run where I was fit and playing my best. I’d love to have one more go with the team.
Who do you admire?
My assistant coach at Baylor, Carly Ludwig, had a big impact on me. She gave me such a bigger picture of life, and taught me not to live and die by what I do on the golf course. She’s got so much experience and is so open to sharing it to make golfers better people as well as better players.
Which three people would join you in your dream fourball?
I’d pick Seve Ballesteros as I love his golf courses and I’d want to challenge him out of a bunker; John Daly as I think he’d be really fun to play golf with; and Charley Hull as she’s one of the best players in the world.
If you could have one mulligan, when would you have used it?
I’m not sure I’ve played enough to pick one shot – you’ll have to ask me again when I retire!
