Karis Davidson full on confidence ahead of her return to the majors at Women’s PGA Championship

Now playing golf because she wants to rather than to please others, an Australian is full of belief ahead of her return to the majors this week in Texas.

An extended hiatus from golf last year has helped propel Australia’s Karis Davidson into arguably career-best form heading into this week’s KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, her first major in 14 months.

The Gold Coast 26-year-old, one of nine Australians in the field, is high on confidence after finishing in a tie for seventh at last week’s Meijer LPGA Classic in Michigan.

“It was really nice feeling, you know, in the mix to win the event,” Davidson said.

“I’m enjoying (golf) a lot more now, and when you enjoy it, you try harder in more difficult situations on the course.”

However, that enjoyment was missing last year, which led to her taking a lengthy break from the game.

In that time, Davidson completed a six-month TAFE aged care and disability services course.

Karis Davidson prepares to putt during her good showing at last week’s Meijer LPGA Classic in Michigan, Picture: Raj Mehta/Getty Images/AFP

“I really wanted to do something productive and just completely different to golf,” she said.

“It was the best thing I’ve ever done. I learned a lot over the six months.

“After that, I knew that I wanted to play golf for myself because before I felt like I was just doing it for other people, and I think that was unhealthy.

“I was just so wrapped up in my own mind. I just had to take time away from it.

“I’m out here because I want to be, not because it feels like the only option.”

Davidson was yet to set her goals for the event starting in Texas on Thursday night (AEST) at the PGA Frisco Fields Ranch East layout but promised to “commit to every shot”.

“That’s such an important thing. You need to be 100 per cent invested in the club and the shot you’ve chosen,” she said.

“It’s going to be a hot week, so I need to be really good with pre, post and during round hydration and what I’m eating.

“I’m trying not to make results-based goals. Obviously, everyone wants to win, if I do those little things well mentally, it’ll give me the best chance for the best result I can get.”

The other Australians in the field this week are Minjee Lee, Hannah Green, Steph Kyriacou, Gabriela Ruffels, Grace Kim, Cassie Porter, Robyn Choi and Hira Naveed.

Minjee Lee is one of nine Australians in the field at this week’s KPMG Women’s PGA Championship in Texas. Picture: Raj Mehta / Getty Images/ AFP

“All the (Australian) girls that are out on the tour are hard working, and they’re all very resilient,” Davidson said.

“They’re all quite laid-back and good with stress. That definitely helps with this type of career.

“The support that we get in Australia with coaches, trainers, psychologists and funding really puts us ahead of other countries in regards to support and encouraging us to do better.”

Originally published as Karis Davidson full on confidence ahead of her return to the majors at Women’s PGA Championship