Pernilla Lindberg will live out two love affairs in the next month.
Lindberg, the delightful Swede who made her major championship breakthrough at last year’s ANA Inspiration in California, will return to one of her favourite tournament destinations to compete at next month’s ISPS Handa Vic Open.
En route to Australia from their American base, she will also tie the knot with long-time caddie Daniel Taylor in a small family-based wedding ceremony in New Zealand.
“I cannot wait,” Lindberg beamed.
“Obviously the wedding is going to be great and I really love Barwon Heads, so it’s going to be fantastic time.
“I’ve played the last two Vic Opens. The small-town nature really appeals and I fell in love with Barwon Heads the first time Daniel and I went there in 2017. It’s such a cool spot, a unique set-up (for a tournament) and until you’re there, you can’t really appreciate how much fun it all is.
“As soon as the opportunity came up to go back, we made sure we could go. We can’t wait.”
Lindberg is the first of several major champions expected to play at Thirteenth Beach Golf Links in the ISPS Handa Vic Open from 7-10 February with more confirmations expected in coming days.
In a small twist, Lindberg will likely have a new caddie with Taylor having switched to the bag of world No.1 Ariya Jutanugarn for 2019.
But with veteran LPGA Tour looper Roy Clarke having signed on with Lindberg, she’s confident of returning to the heights of 2018.
“There are expectations, from myself and others, but at same time I wouldn’t want it any other way,” she said.
“I finally showed people what I’m capable of doing and now I want to do it again.
“There’s no better place to do that than somewhere I really like to play like Thirteenth Beach.
“The Beach course is completely fun, the Creek course has some short and tough holes, but also some great long ones, so it’s a great test all the way through.
“It’s just a fun place to play and a great atmosphere around the courses and Barwon Heads.”
The ISPS Handa Vic Open is a unique concurrent men’s and women’s professional tournament. It is jointly sanctioned by the ALPG, LPGA, PGA Tour of Australasia and European Tour and features equal prizemoney for men and women.
Entry is free to all Victorian golf club members, but other tickets are on sale through oTix and remain some of the best value in elite sport at $10 per day, $30 for a season pass. Children under 18 and those with a Seniors Card are free. See vicopengolf.com/ticketing for details.
The ISPS Handa Vic Open is proudly supported by the Victorian Government.