Noemí Jiménez is one of those people you just love getting to know. She’s sweet, friendly and humble. Although the past has not been her best season, she still feels satisfied because it has helped her learn and mature. She is a perfectionist, and this sometimes leads to her placing excessive demands on herself, but she compensates this with her greatest asset – her self-confidence. Noemí is sure to go far, because at just 26, she has already achieved ten holes-in-one, a feat which proves she was born to play golf.

Noemí, tell us about your last season.

There have been plenty of ups and downs. I started really well. Within the space of three weeks I gained three consecutive 12th positions, in Australia and South Africa. I lost my way a little bit mentally, losing a bit of confidence after several poor rounds. I was doing well in Morocco and two days from the end, I had a bad round. Then, this summer, I played well in the Scottish Open, except for the final round. All in all, it’s been a learning curve, but I feel as though it has strengthened my game and I’m sure this year, the experience will come in useful.

What do you think was missing for it all to come together?

Above all, the shots onto the green with the irons, and the par threes. This is quite strange because I’ve had ten holes-in-one during my career, so it’s odd that I should be finding par threes difficult. But anyway, I’ve done well with the putter and driver, which have helped me maintain my game.

What stage are you currently at in your career and how do you see the future?

Well, it’s fair to say that I’ve had a tough time last year. I’ve taken two weeks off to disconnect completely because my mind had just gone, but I’ve learned so much this season. Now, I believe I can do it, because I have done in the past. At the end of the day, it’s a thin line between playing well and playing badly. What I really need is to have a week in which things go well and I can regain the confidence I have lost.

Are you still training with your father?

Yes. I’m still with him. But I also took a lot of advice from Michael Campbell. I have to say that he helped me so much with my tour experience and served as my mentor. I’ve recently had a few classes with Marcelo Prieto. I like the way he coaches because he bases a lot of it on feelings. So, basically, I’m now training with my father and with Marcelo.

How do you see the European Tour, with more events, some of which are now in Spain?

It’s getting a lot better. I remember two years ago, things didn’t look good, but now, thanks to the hard work of Marta Figueras Dotti and Alexandra Armas, I think it’s going to improve significantly. We’ve already noticed it last year with new tournaments, including three in Spain. I have to say that we are really proud that a country like ours hosts three tournaments because it shows that it is supporting and promoting women’s sport. This year, there are already 24 tournaments planned, so the European circuit is moving forward.

What about the American circuit? Is it far off?

I think it’s well within my reach, it just needs time. First, I need to gain confidence playing on the European tour. I don’t want to stress myself out, rather learn about myself, live for the moment and, above all, enjoy myself.

What’s the hardest thing about the circuit?

I find travelling hard – the airports, time differences, it’s difficult. It’s not really the number of tournaments, because there aren’t as many as there are on the American tour. Really, it’s when things don’t go well, and my stress levels shoot up. This is because I’m a perfectionist and I want to do everything well.

What’s your goal in golf?

I’d like to do something significant in the sport. I’d love to play in a Solheim and win a tour on the European circuit, and maybe win a Major. Just seeing myself with a chance of winning something is amazing in itself, because I know that once I’m in that position, I’m sure I’ll be able to win. I have great confidence in myself and capabilities.

Can you imagine playing a Solheim in Marbella?

Wow, that would be incredible, a real dream come true.

If you didn’t dedicate yourself to golf as a professional, what would you like to do?

I really enjoy Coaching. In particular, I like inspiring people and helping them to become better people. I also enjoy customer service. Right now, I am studying on a golf course management programme and I wouldn’t mind being a course manager in the future.

How big do you see the gap between men and women golfers?

It’s true that there is a big difference regarding money, particularly prize money. I understand that men’s golf attracts more public and bigger audiences, but I also believe that women can contribute a lot to sports. A lot of it is because we don’t appear as much on the television, which means that people don’t get hooked on women’s sport. They could also ensure that, during tournaments, there are events which attract the public.

Fortunately, you have the support of sponsors.

Since I became a professional, Finca Cortesin have been one of the main ones, together with Ping. Having the support of sponsors is key. Otherwise, it would be difficult to survive at the beginning. They have backed me for four years and I will be eternally grateful to them. This year, I’ve also had support from Finisher, Decayeux, Smart Global Privacy, Silvstrand and of course the grants from the Pro Spain Team, which comes to the rescue of many girls when they become professionals.

What would you say have been the best and worst moments of your time as a professional?

Everything I am and everything I have is thanks to golf. I am who I am thanks to this won-derful sport. The worst part is that it can be quite hard when you don’t play well and you beat yourself up about it, just like in real life.

Can you give some advice to the readers of Ladies in Golf?

Keep trying, keep playing and enjoy each and every moment on the course because, although it can be hard at times, you still enjoy wonderful moments, meet lots of people, and build honest and sincere friendships. Have a great time! Golf is undoubtedly the best sport around.