EVIAN-LES-BAINS — Welsh golfer Darcey Harry admits she is "super nervous" but excited as she prepares to take on the world’s best at this week’s Evian Championship, her second major appearance of the season. The 22-year-old rising star, who turned professional just two years ago, has quickly made a name for herself with a string of impressive performances on the Ladies European Tour (LET).
Harry, ranked No. 87 in the world, earned her spot in the Evian field after a strong showing at the Women’s PGA Championship last month, where she finished tied for 32nd. "It’s a dream come true to be competing in these events," she said in an exclusive interview. "I know it’s a big step up, but I’m ready to test myself against the best."
A Rapid Rise in Women’s Golf
Harry’s journey to the upper echelons of women’s golf has been nothing short of meteoric. After a standout amateur career that included representing Wales at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, she turned professional and quickly secured her LET card. Her breakthrough came earlier this year with a runner-up finish at the Aramco Team Series – Tampa, where she held her own against a stacked field.
Key milestones in Harry’s young career include:
- Winning the 2023 Welsh Women’s Open as an amateur
- Securing three top-10 finishes in her rookie LET season
- Breaking into the top 100 of the Rolex Rankings within 18 months
Embracing the Major Challenge
The Evian Championship, held at the picturesque Evian Resort Golf Club in France, is one of the five majors in women’s golf. For Harry, it represents another opportunity to prove herself on the biggest stage. "I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous," she admitted. "But nerves are good—they mean you care. I’m just going to focus on playing my game and enjoying the experience."
Her coach, former European Tour player Gareth Wright, believes she has the game to compete. "Darcey’s ball-striking is world-class," he said. "If she can stay patient and trust her process, she’ll surprise a lot of people this week."
The Mental Game
One of Harry’s biggest challenges will be handling the pressure of a major championship. "The mental side is just as important as the physical," she said. "I’ve been working with a sports psychologist to stay present and not get overwhelmed by the occasion." Her strategy includes sticking to a strict pre-shot routine and avoiding leaderboard watching.
A Bright Future for Welsh Golf
Harry’s emergence has sparked excitement in Wales, where golf has traditionally taken a backseat to rugby. She is now seen as a potential role model for the next generation of Welsh golfers. "It’s an honor to represent my country," she said. "If I can inspire even one young girl to pick up a club, that’s a win for me."
With the 2024 Solheim Cup on the horizon, Harry is also being touted as a potential wildcard pick for Team Europe. Captain Suzann Pettersen has taken notice, saying, "Darcey has that fearless attitude we look for. She’s definitely on our radar."
Final Thoughts
As Harry tees off at Evian, she carries the hopes of a nation and the belief that she belongs among the elite. "I’m here to learn, compete, and hopefully make Wales proud," she said. Whether she contends or not, one thing is certain: this won’t be the last time Darcey Harry graces a major championship stage.
The Evian Championship runs from July 11-14, with Harry set to begin her first round alongside Japan’s Yuka Saso and Sweden’s Linn Grant. Fans can follow her progress via live scoring on the LPGA website.
