Samantha Richdale soars
The B.C. golfer has earned a rapid rise through the ranks since going professional
Samantha Richdale, of Kelowna, B.C., has risen dramatically through the ranks since she went professional in 2006. As of the Michelob Ultra Duramed Futures Players Championship this June, the 25-year-old is ranked fourth on the tour. Her best finish this spring was taking first at the Louisiana Pelican Classic at Lafayette, Louisiana, in April. Richdale’s success seems to come from equal parts natural athletic inclination and devoted practice. She credits much of her advancement to the work she has done with her coach, Craig Harmon. Richdale made time for GolfWest as she was preparing for the June 19 Duramed Championship at the Grizzly Course in Mason, Ohio, home of the LPGA championships.
Well-earned success: Richdale was all smiles after winning the 2009 Louisiana Pelican Classic —photo courtesy Duramed Futures Tour
Getting to know a winner
How did you get into golf? I started golf when I was around five years old. Both my parents play and they got me into it. I have played ever since.
When did you realize that you wanted to compete? I have always done competitive sports, so I think it was a natural reaction to want to compete. I started seriously competing when I was 11 years old in my first provincial tournament.
What role has coaching played in your success? I have definitely improved a lot since I have been working with Craig Harmon. We have done a lot with my full swing. He has also helped me tremendously with my short game and also course management. I wouldn't be where I am today without his help.
What would you say has been your career highlight so far? My career highlight so far I think was either my first win or playing in the Canadian Open. They were both really big steps in my career.
What have you been up to this season? This season I have been mostly concentrating on the Duramed Futures Tour events. I have played in all of those events so far and plan on playing the rest to try and get my card through the tour for next year. I will try and qualify for any LPGA events that don't conflict with the Futures events.
What do you do for fun, when you are not golfing? I go to movies and hang out with friends when I am not golfing. I love to go to professional sporting events when I get the chance. So far this year I have been to a couple NBA games and some MLB games.
UPDATE: Richdale completed the Duramed Championship June 21 and tied for 20th. She had a strong first round, shooting par or better on every hole and getting birdie on six. She tied for second after the first. The low point of the tournament was on Hole 7 of the final, where she double bogeyed. Her last nine were strong—she got her groove back and got par or better on every hole—including birdie on Hole 11.