Ellie Givens, Flamenco Dancing to Walking With Lions

Ten years of playing professional golf around the world means that it’s inevitable Ellie Givens has lots of stories about travel adventures; some that were planned and some that definitely weren’t!

From walking between two fully grown lions in Johannesburg, to playing the Women’s Open during a pandemic, to standing on top of the harbour bridge in Sydney it’s safe to say that life on tour keeps her on her toes both on and off the course.

America and beyond

After a successful junior career Ellie attended the University of Denver on an athletic scholarship and continued developing her game while studying for a degree in Finance. Travelling across America and playing high level golf was a stepping stone for a future career as a professional golfer so after graduation Ellie participated in Qschool and earned status on the Ladies European Tour.

“My first event was a huge shock to the system! I’d never even been to a professional event before and after 2 days I was in the leading group. It was a great learning experience to have the tv cameras following me for the first time but also as intimidating as it was exciting”

It was the start of what Ellie describes as “the best job I could ever wish for”.

"Professional golf is much more than what you see on tv; not only do players continually work on their overall fitness and golf game but off the course they make their travel arrangements, keep track of accounts, participate in sponsorship days, attend press/media events as well as many other requirements. There’s a steep learning curve and it can often take a while to get used to balancing everything and being able to perform at the highest level once you arrive at a tournament".

It's all about the preparation

One thing that has changed over time for Givens while she competes on the Ladies European Tour is how she prepares for tournaments and structures her week.

“For my first few years on the LET I spent way too much time at the golf club. Now that I have more experience and confidence in what I’m doing with my game I try and take at least half a day each week to get away from golf and explore the local area.

It’s not always possible, and of course golf is always the priority, but it’s something that I think helps me relax and a way of making the most of the opportunity I have to travel the world”

Making an Impact

Ellie’s favourite memories of her time so far as a professional golfer are a mixture of on and off course moments. Making her major championship debut at the Women’s Open at Royal Troon in 2020 was undoubtedly one of her career highlights, also first top 10 and top 5 finishes on the LET.

A hole in one on the Gold Coast of Australia, becoming the first female to win a mixed professional event in the UK, and a runner up team performance in Saudi Arabia demonstrate how Givens has developed the ability to adapt and prepare for any conditions.

A job like no other

However, alongside those on course highlights there are all the memories made off the course - getting fitted for a saree at a store in India, learning to flamenco dance in Spain, visiting a mosque in Abu Dhabi, standing on the top of Table mountain in South Africa. Being a tour professional is truly a job like no other!

Hazzad Golf Ambassador

Ellie will be using bespoke Hazzad golf products as she continues her professional golf career on the Ladies European Tour in 2023 so keep your eyes peeled for more content as our products accompany her on her adventures around the globe.