By james art Hall is one of the most talented amateur toys in the country. She is ranked fourth in Europe in the under-25 average amateur rankings, her status earning her a place in the European team for the prestigious Concession Cup, a Ryder Cup-style event to be played at Landings Golf & Athletic Club in Savannah , Georgia, early next month.
The event sees the world’s best intermediate amateurs and senior amateurs go head-to-head in mixed teams for Team USA and Europe. Hall is the only Englishwoman selected as part of the European squad and will fly to the United States before the tournament kicks off on November 4.
As a result, she asks her brother George for a break. Her family own and run The Victoria Inn, known affectionately as ‘The Victim’, in the village of Witton-le-Wear in County Durham, where she has lived since the age of 1. To finance her amateur golf career, she worked as a bartender and waitress. Or at least he does when he’s not on the field.
“It’s really perfect,” said Hall, who is a member of Bishop Auckland Golf Club. “I can make a bit of money to help with my golf, as it’s a family pub I can take time off when I’m out playing.
“I’m not usually away that long, mind you. The Concession Cup is huge in amateur golf – it’s amazing to represent Europe and go up against the USA. This will definitely be the biggest thing I’ve ever been a part of. I can’t wait to get out there and get going.”
Hall began playing golf at the age of seven and first joined Bishop Auckland at the age of nine. She won the Senior County Cup when she was 14, becoming the competition’s youngest ever winner in the process, and has since won five more County Championship crowns.
She played for the England women’s team and, after attending Barnard Castle School and Durham Sixth Form College, secured a scholarship to the US, studying and playing golf at Fresno State University in California.
“It was an amazing experience to be in the States,” she said. “I had never been away from home before so it really changed my life.
“It was amazing for my golf too. The college system is so good for sports there – you get the chance to train and play at such a high level. It completely changed my game – I’m so glad I got the chance to go there.”
Since returning to England, Hall has played for the England women’s team and last year she represented England in domestic internationals.
She also secured a spot on the LET Access Tour, which is the second tier of European women’s golf, just below the full-fledged Ladies European Tour. She had two top-ten finishes on tour this year and finished as the top amateur at the Get Golfing Women’s Golf Championship.
“It’s been a really good year,” she said. “I feel like my game is in a good place right now and I’m playing well. Getting the chance to play in the Concession Cup is just the next step really – it’s a reward for what I do, but I really want to go to the US and play well.
“It’s a huge opportunity but also a huge responsibility – you’re playing as part of a team and obviously you want to do well for your team-mates. Hopefully we will have a good tournament and get a European win.”