Sarah Schober - Austria's figurehead when it comes to golf
The 25-year-old Styrian has just successfully completed her first full season on the Ladies European Tour and secured her tour card for 2018 with 36th place in the last tournament in Dubai. She spoke to Elsa-Maria Honecker about her successful year and her plans for the future.
Connoisseur Circle (CC): First of all, congratulations on this successful end to the year. Are you also a little proud of yourself?
Sarah Schober: Thank you. Yes, I am. It was only my second year of my professional career and the first full year on the LET. In the 7 tournaments I made the cut six times this year and that speaks for my consistent play.
CC: So you already won the "Order of Merit" title on the LET Access Tour last year?
Sarah Schober: Yes, I was the first Austrian to win the overall ranking. I finished in the top 10 in 15 tournaments on the LET Access Tour, five of which were 2nd place.
CC: You were only at the beginning of your career then?
Sarah Schober: Yes. I started "working" as a professional in August 2015 and I didn't expect to win the overall standings in my first season.
CC: Who actually supports you on your successful path?
Sarah Schober: I am looked after by an extensive team - from trainers, physios, doctors and masseurs. They may not always be there, but they are always there for me when I need them. It's also important to me that one of my parents - usually my mom - is always there at tournaments.
CC: You played in the Austrian national team for 7 years and have already won the overall ranking at youth tournaments. Has this influenced your future path?
Sarah Schober: Of course. That was a great time back then. In amateur status you get everything organized, you get called up to the world championships in Japan or Argentina and don't have to worry about anything. That's a big difference to being a professional, where you have to organize and pay for everything yourself. That's why I'm very grateful that I have sponsors who support me and believe in me and my path.
CC: That has changed now?
Sarah Schober: Yes. I am now my own company and my own boss with all the trimmings.
CC: What are your plans for the future?
Sarah Schober: There is only one plan for me: to improve and achieve my goals in golf step by step - with milestones. And - of course - to be at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.
CC: And what does your winter program look like now?
Sarah Schober: Now I'm going to take a break for a few days. Then I'll start preparing for the next season before Christmas. Including fitness training and physio treatments. A training week in Dubai in January to be fit for the first tournament in Australia.
CC: What tips would you give our readers?
Sarah Schober: The most important thing is to have fun playing golf! In addition, good fitness and warm-up training and don't forget to regenerate.
CC: Thank you Sarah! Have a great Christmas and good luck in the New Year.
Further information: www.schobergolf.at
Photos: (c) GEPA-Pictures
