Meet our expert judge - Alison Nicholas MBE

Alison’s playing career stretched from 1980 to 2004, during which time she won eighteen professional titles establishing herself as one of Europe’s most successful players.

Taking the game up at the relatively advanced age of seventeen was no hindrance to her. Within four years she had represented Yorkshire at County level, but it was winning the British Strokeplay Championship in 1983 that gave her the impetus to turn pro the following year.

Her breakthrough in the professional ranks came in 1987 winning the Weetabix Ladies’ British Open at St Mellion. Throughout the 80s and 90s Alison was a regular winner on the Ladies’ European Tour.

After representing Europe in the inaugural Solheim Cup in 1990 Alison was encouraged to play in America and take on the best in the world. Improving her technique under the watchful eye of International Coach, Lawrence Farmer, proved successful and her first win on American soil came in 1995.

The highlight of her career came two years later, however, when she held off golfing legend, Nancy Lopez, to win her first major and be crowned the US Open Champion. Following this success Alison was awarded the MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List for services to women’s golf.

Representing Europe in the Solheim Cup, as a player, vice Captain and laterally Captain, has been especially memorable - particularly the European victories in 1992, 2000 and 2003. In 2011 Alison will once again lead the European side in the Solheim Cup matches which are to be played at Killeen Castle in Ireland.

Alison retired from competitive play in 2004 but her golfing interests continue with her numerous business activities and coaching commitments.