A round and about

Martina Gillen Rookie professional on the Ladies European Tour and a member of  Beaverstown GC

Earliest golfing memory?

My dad brought me to a lot of Irish Opens when I was a child but I can remember one Irish Open at Portmarnock in the late 80s. I would have been five or six. I can remember asking Sandy Lyle for his autograph and I handed him a tiny pencil and he said "that's a dinky little pencil".

First victory?

My first victory I can recall was winning the Lady Captain's Prize in Beaverstown. I was very fortunate the lady members allowed me to play with them and play in their weekly competitions.

First time to break 90?

I have absolutely no idea, so I asked my dad and he thinks I broke 90 when I was about 11 years old in a junior competition in Beaverstown. I was playing off about 23 and I beat my handicap by 10 shots.

Last bit of golf equipment you bought? I bought a rain cover for my golf bag when I was up in Templepatrick a few weeks ago playing in the Northern Ireland Ladies Open. Even though I probably have three or four rain covers in the garage, I couldn't lay my hands on one before I left.

Last time you took a golf cart and why?

The last time I took a golf cart was four years ago when I nipped out one afternoon after my morning classes for a quick nine holes at the Kent State University golf course before my evening class.

Last time you muttered an obscenity on the golf course and why?

I don't have to test my memory banks too hard to answer this one. It would have been last week playing in the Ladies English Open. There was a gale blowing into my face and I only had 170 yards to the pin on a par three and I came up 10 yards short of the green with a five wood.

Which of the majors would you like to attend and why?

I would most like to attend the Masters at Augusta. It is always so dramatic and the scenery there is meant to be breathtaking. On the women's side, I would like to attend the Women's British Open, especially this year as it is being played over the Old Course at St Andrews.

Ideal Fourball. Who and where?

Tiger Woods, Padraig Harrington, Retief Goosen and myself around Pacific Dunes in Oregon.

One last round on earth, where would it be?

Augusta National.

Dress sense: Davis Love or Ian Poulter?

Davis Love, for sure. He is always turned out so well.

Is a Titleist Pro V 1 worth the extra expense?

I think they are worth the extra expense. No matter what level you are playing at.

Best golf club food - where?

I have to say my home club, Beaverstown. I know I am probably biased but the food there is excellent and the homemade burger with peppercorn sauce is my favourite.

140 yards out from the green. Flat calm. What's in your hands?

Perfect yardage for my eight iron.

Favourite club in times of trouble?

Seven iron, please.

Parkland or Links?

That's a tough one. To be honest I don't really have a preference. Although when it is blowing a gale I wouldn't fancy being out on a links.

Must see golfing holiday destination?

It has been a few years since I was last there. But I would have to say Myrtle Beach in Florida. The weather is great and there are tones of fantastic golf courses to choose from.

Hidden gem?

I had the pleasure of playing Luttrellstown Castle Golf Club in Castleknock in Dublin recently and I was blown away by how good it is.

One Mulligan in life?

I had a two-foot putt to win the Irish Ladies' Strokeplay Championship in 2004 and I missed it. I would like to have that one back.