Meikle: Where are you this week, Laura?
Hoskin: I’m in Montauban, France, playing in the Montauban Ladies Open. I travel to Spain in two weeks for the fourth event on the Ladies European Tour Access Series schedule, the Santander Golf Tour Avila.
What have you been doing in recent weeks?
My fiance, Matthew Owen, and I did a big road trip around Europe — eight countries in 31 days. We then went to Greece to see Matt’s family, who were holidaying there. Between each event we get to spend time with his family, which makes travelling for golf a lot easier mentally and emotionally.
What is your status on this tour?
We have only had one event so far this season on the LETAS, and I missed the cut by one shot, so I don’t currently have any order of merit points. Hopefully this week, and in two weeks’ time at the next tournament, I’ll be able to put some points up next to my name.
What’s the goal?
To enjoy the challenge of playing tournament golf, sink some putts, make some cuts and be able to look back on this golf season knowing I was happy travelling and playing professional golf in Europe with my fiance.
The next level up would be full status on the Ladies European Tour. The prize money per tournament ranges from €300,000-€400,000 ($NZ527,000-$NZ703,000) per tournament. You can earn LET status from being top money makers on the LETAS or making it through Q school in Morocco.
How’s the golf game?
I’ve learned to manage my physical golf game and mind a lot better. I’m not so hard on myself any more and I’m starting to allow myself to have fun on the golf course without feeling guilty for having fun, if that makes sense. I know myself a whole lot better than I did when I was playing in China or in the US. The goal for me is to be able to walk off the course after 18 holes having enjoyed the challenge of golf, embraced the moment and be thankful for where I am, which is travelling the world playing professional golf with my fiance as my caddy. Matt brings out the best in me and I’m able to be goofy around him, which makes golf a lot less stressful. I’m really making an effort to be more happy and "me" on the golf course, instead of getting tense. My dad has been a big advocate of this method.
Overall, how do you feel about how your career is tracking?
Oooph, good question. My professional golf career is coming to an end. I’ve had a good run and was given all the opportunities and support in the world to see how good at golf I could have got. There are no regrets. If I’m being honest, I don’t hit the ball long enough to make a living as a professional golfer. As much as I’ve tried to gain distance, it just doesn’t happen for me. For example, today I played a practice round with a girl from the Czech Republic and she drove the ball 30m further than me. I would be hitting 6-iron into the green and she a 9-iron. It’s a different game.
I’m enjoying golf now more than ever. Whether that’s at the top level or not, I’m just happy to be out playing. I love golf, always have, always will — no matter if it’s playing on the European Tour or a fun round up at Te Arai [north of Auckland] with a margarita in one hand and a golf club in another. But to answer your question ... I’m starting to burn for a fulltime wardrobe and to not live out of a suitcase so often. There is so much more that goes on behind the scenes as a professional athlete. Not being home for the majority of the year and not being able to maintain relationships with friends. Always having to have an "adaptive" lifestyle is draining after a while. To be honest, I’m looking forward to the next chapter in life, which is having a home with Matt and seeing where the future takes us.
Where and when did the engagement happen?
It was hands-down the best day of my life. Matt proposed to me at Te Arai after the Australian WPGA season. He caught me by surprise one afternoon after we practised golf together, taking me down to the beach where it was just us, and with the biggest smile on his face he knelt down and asked me to marry him. Of course I said yes! He’s my best friend and person I never thought I’d be lucky enough to find. I can’t wait to get married. We are still tossing up when and where the wedding will be. Matt’s family is from Auckland and mine from Queenstown, so we are spoilt for choice on where to have the big day.
