Darling Gal

Meet Germany’s best-kept secret, a six-foot bombshell with killer skills.

By syama ramasamy

Hers may not exactly be a name that immediately triggers bells (you may remember her from the ‘Babes & Hunks’ segment in ParGolf’s December 2009 issue), but once you’ve met the sweet yet incredibly alluring Sandra Gal (pronounced ‘gahl’), chances are you won’t forget her anytime soon. (And yes, I’m straight, really – cross my heart.)

I’d never met her up-close before, so naturally I was pretty psyched about meeting the leggy brunette for a one-on-one interview during the recent Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia. And you know what? In the flesh, those photos I’ve seen of her just didn’t live up to Sandra’s beauty and grace – not even close. Most of all, she was impressively down-to-earth, with a certain aura of serenity about her. (Oh, did I mention her engaging German-American accent?) Though German-born Sandra picked up the clubs at age five (both her parents are golfers), she only received her “calling” in golf when she was about 14, and embarked on her journey in competitive golf with her dad as her instructor. By the time she was 17, the only child of Jan and Alexandra Gal had earned a spot on the German national team and was named 2003 Golfer of the Year in Germany. Fuelled by a relentless desire to make it big as a golfer, Sandra soon traded in the comfort of ‘home’ for college golf in the US. The avid wakeboarder graduated – with honours, no less – from the University of Florida in 2008 with a degree in advertising. And in March this year, her dream of a professional win was finally realised when she snatched the Kia Classic title to become only the second German winner in LPGA Tour history. So come on now, join me as I get comfy with the lovely, brown-eyed Gal.

Sandra and American Vicky Hurst at the Red Carpet 'Hollywood' Mojo 6 Kickoff Party sponsored by Iberostar

ParGolf (PG): It’s been a great year so far for you on the LPGA Tour with your first win at the Kia Classic. What’s been the main difference this year?

Sandra Gal (SG): I’m enjoying it a lot more out there. I’m more thankful for my job. I think I was just too serious and trying too hard. I don’t put too much pressure on myself. So yeah, I’m just enjoying it.

PG: Looks like you found your dream caddy. Did that play a part in your win?

SG: Yeah, definitely – big part. I met Roy (Clarke) a little over a year ago. We’re very good friends and we have a laugh out on the course. Roy’s very funny, he’s from Ireland, he’s my age and he’s a good player as well. He played for the Irish national team with Rory McIlroy. He’s a plus-1 handicapper, so he knows a lot about the game. Roy keeps me loose.

PG: What was it like playing in this year’s Solheim Cup? Tell us how you celebrated the European victory.

SG: Oh, it was amazing. That’s the biggest tournament I’ve ever played in. The atmosphere was crazy, so many people were watching.was a lot of pressure, but you know, it’s great that our team (Europe) won. We had a great celebration afterwards – till 4 in the morning at our team room. We just danced all night and drank from the Solheim Cup!

“Every year we get so excited about coming to Asia because the events are so well organised and so many people come out and watch us play.”

PG: What do you think of the 2011 Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia and KLGCC’s East Course?

SG: It’s a very good course, very challenging. It’s not too long, so there’s a lot of birdie chances. But the most important thing is keeping your energy level up. We’re not used to the heat so much, so it’s about conserving your energy, keeping hydrated and keeping your focus up. PG: This is your second time in Malaysia. Have you managed any sight-seeing so far? SG: When I was here last year, I stayed a few days longer and I went to downtown KL. I wanted to go up the KL Tower, but we went on a Monday and the tower was closed, so we couldn’t get up. I try to make an effort to see the places I play in.

PG: What are your goals next year and which Major would you most like to win?

SG: Another win would be great. Oh, and I’d love to win the British Open!

PG: Who has been the most influential person as far as your golf career is concerned?

SG: My dad. Both my parents play golf, but my dad has been into golf his whole life. He’s in business but very into sports. He got me interested in golf. He took me to the next level, always believed in me in being successful.

PG: What was your dream job as a kid?

SG: I didn’t have a particular thing I wanted to be, but I’ve always loved designing things. I would have loved to become a designer or an artist. I’ve been painting since I was three, and I only used to play golf on vacations – until one day a pro said, “You’ve got talent. You should do something about it.”

PG: Does the Gal family ever travel with you on Tour? How important is family and friends to you?

SG: Yeah, my dad travels a lot with me, and my mom whenever she’s got some time off. It’s very important for me to keep in touch, though it can be tough, especially here in Asia because the time difference is so big, and we’re busy practising and competing. But thankfully with the technology today, it’s easier to keep in touch.

PG: Are you currently dating? What do you look for in a guy?

SG: No, I’m not seeing anyone. I’d want someone with lots of humour, honesty and spontaneity. And no, he doesn’t have to be a golfer.

PG: You have an affinity for works of Deepak Chopra. Why do you think that is?

SG: His books have helped me a lot with my game. I guess it’s just the way of seeing the world. I’m not highly religious or anything, but you know, just be happy, don’t waste your life, stay in the present. These things have really helped me.

PG: Being a speed fiend, how do you talk your way out of a speeding ticket when you’re in the States?

SG:You have to admit you’ve done something wrong, and go, “Oh I’m so sorry, I know, I know, I was going too fast. I just came from Europe.” You can speed in Germany especially – there aren’t many speed limits over there. So when I go to the US from Europe, it’s terrible – you have to drive at, like, 70 mph. I really don’t think there are any less road accidents in the States because people fall asleep behind the wheel!

“I’m enjoying it a lot more out there. I’m more thankful for my job.”

FACT FILE

Full name: Sandra Gal
Birthdate: May 9, 1985
Height: 6’ 0”
Birthplace: Dusseldorf, Germany
Residence: Champions Gate, Florida
Turned Pro: 2008
Tour Victories: 1 (Kia Classic 2011)
Golfing Heroes: Ernie Els & Fred
Couples

FAVOURITE THINGS

Gadget: MacBook Air
Drink: Evian Water
Food: French
Make-up: Chanel
Magazine: Vogue
Book & Author: Power, Freedom &
Grace by Deepak Chopra

IN THE BAG

Driver: Callaway FT-5 (8.5°)
Fairway Wood: Callaway Diablo Edge
Tour (13° & 15°)
Hybrid: Callaway RAZR X Tour (24°)
Irons (5-PW): Callaway RAZR X
Wedges: Callaway X Series JAWS
(50°, 54°, 58°)
Putter: Odyssey White Ice
DART Blade
Ball: Callaway Tour i(s)

PG: You’ve modelled quite a bit. Is ageing something that bothers you?

SG: Hmm, I’m still young. Ageing isn’t really an issue for me. But then again, ask me in 20 years!

PG: What are the things Sandra Gal must accomplish before turning 30?

SG: I definitely wanna win more tournaments, hopefully a Major. I just enrolled in a sailing course. I wanna travel the world – apart from golf. I’d love to go on a road-trip through Italy. I love Italian food, and the countryside is very pretty. I’d love to see Tibet, the Seychelles – maybe Iceland.

PG: What do you see yourself moving on to if and when you retire from professional golf?

SG: Hopefully I’ll be famous enough to kind of use my name to do some more charity work – maybe work with animals or small kids such as orphanages or something like that. Perhaps sell my paintings for charity. I’d love to help shed more light on social responsibility.

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