Like two different long-ago guests to France, Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman, who all the time had Paris in the 1942 film “Casablanca,” Natalie Gulbis of the United States, a longtime member of the L.P.G.A. Tour, can say she’s going to all the time have Evian.
Gulbis, who thrice performed in the Solheim Cup, a biennial match in which a European crew performs an American crew, registered her lone tour victory at the Evian Masters in 2007, beating Jang Jeong of South Korea by two-putting from 25 toes for a birdie on the first playoff gap. Trailing Juli Inkster by 4 photographs heading into the closing spherical, she closed with a two-under 70.
Gulbis, 40, who performs only a few tournaments as of late and has undergone a number of again surgical procedures, mirrored just lately on her victory in France.
The dialog has been edited and condensed.
What stands out about that week in 2007?
The reduction that I might win a match. I had labored so onerous to turn into a tour skilled, and I had completed second one too many instances earlier than. And that occasion is so extremely particular. I used to be paired with Annika [Sorenstam], who was one of my greatest associates on tour.
What do you recall about the playoff gap?
I bear in mind making an attempt to concentrate on hitting it [her second shot] strong and ensuring that I carried the water and gave myself an opportunity. My caddie gave me much less membership. He knew that gamers who get in rivalry all the time have further adrenaline.
What’s so particular about the Evian occasion?
It’s in this most lovely place up in the hills overlooking Lake Geneva, the golf course is unbelievable, and simply the manner they deal with you from begin to end. It’s actually the closest factor now we have to the Masters.
Any clarification for why it was your solely tour victory?
No. And I don’t even give it some thought except any individual asks. I actually don’t. When I look again at my profession, the most enjoyable and memorable occasions have been crew occasions. It could be fascinating to see how I might really feel if I had gained 10 [individual] occasions. I don’t know if I’d sit right here feeling considerably completely different.
So you’re not dissatisfied?
I feel I’d really feel responsible if I felt dissatisfied. The alternative to be knowledgeable athlete is so particular, and I simply don’t take that with no consideration. To compete throughout the world and play for a corporation like the L.P.G.A. has far exceeded any expectation I might have ever imagined.
What’s the state of the tour as of late?
In 2023, we’re enjoying for $101 million, 33 occasions. Absolutely loopy if I might have thought 10 years in the past that the L.P.G.A. could be enjoying for over $100 million in a season.
What’s the most nervous you ever had been in a Solheim Cup?
In Sweden in 2007, I used to be the anchor match [in the final group]. And then, that morning, I assumed, ‘What did I commit to?’ That means it might come right down to my match. It didn’t, and I ended up profitable my match anyway.
Are you enthusiastic about being an assistant to captain Stacy Lewis at this fall’s Solheim Cup in Spain?
I am excited. It is a really completely different expertise being a captain than it’s being a participant, and I feel I’m going be much more nervous as a captain. Stacy has labored so onerous, and she or he is so dedicated to attempt to get that cup back, and I simply wish to assist her in any manner I can.
Would you wish to be a captain your self some day?
I’m undecided. I don’t prefer to say till I’ve utterly seen what it’s prefer to be an assistant captain all the manner via.
What was the largest influence your teacher, Butch Harmon, made on you?
Everything. How a lot time do you will have? I began working with him once I was 18, and what he has carried out for me, on and off the golf course, it’s wonderful. He’s helped me in each facet of being knowledgeable golfer, and it’s a lot greater than competing. He is such an enormous fan of ladies’s golf, and I’m so grateful I’ve had the alternative to work with him for 20 years.
