DORSET'S Georgia Hall admitted it had been an "honour" to share a stage with one of the greatest golfers in history – Gary Player.

Hall warmed up for the Scottish Open and the Women's British Open by playing alongside the 81-year-old on one of the courses he designed at Wentworth.

Known as the Black Knight, Player is one of only four players to have won all four majors, a feat he shares with Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods.

Wimborne-based Hall teamed up with the nine-time major winner during the Berenberg Gary Player Invitational, an event which has helped The Player Foundation raise more than $63million for charitable causes.

She told the Daily Echo: “It was my third year playing. I played with Jason Dufner and Ian Woosnam before but to play with Gary was quite an honour.

“He only hit it about 15 yards shorter than me, which I was shocked about! It’s amazing how well he can still play and he has done it all.

“He gave me some tips on the way round and spoke to me about some of the tournaments he played in. For his age, he still plays amazingly.”

Hall, who finished tied ninth at the Scottish Open, now switches her focus to the British Open at Kingsbarns, the fourth major of the year in the women’s calender.

The world number 85, who starts her first round alongside Florentyna Parker and Gerina Piller today (11.54am), said: “The golf course this week is really nice. It’s the first time I have been here and I’m excited to play.

“Last week and this week are my favourite two events of the year. I am enjoying it a lot and I only get the chance to play links golf twice a year, so I am trying to make the most of the opportunity.

“I don’t live near any links golf courses but I do like playing a lot of punch shots and I even play them in America when the greens are really fast. I think I just feel more comfortable hitting them.

“You have to be a bit creative and hit half shots or run the ball 20 yards up the green. You can’t hit any high flop shots or anything.

“I am going to try and play the best I can, whether I win it or am in the top-10. I think I am playing well, so I think I have every chance of doing well.”

Hall is also set to have her place confirmed on the European team for the Solheim Cup following this week’s event.

She added: “I think they make it (the announcement) on Sunday and it has just come around so quickly.

“After two years of trying to be in it and trying to make sure I am still up there and competing all the time, it’s a big dream of mine.”