DEFENDING champion Georgia Hall revealed how her replica Women’s British Open crown had been stolen from her car in Chiswick two months ago.

The Dorset star, who famously won her first major championship at Royal Lytham & St Annes last year, said the model trophy had yet to be discovered.

Staff at the event are working to get Hall a replacement replica trophy – but she could have the real thing back in her hands with a successful four rounds this week.

Speaking ahead of the defence of her crown at Woburn, which begins tomorrow, Hall told the Guardian: “They smashed my back window, like 12 o’clock in the middle of the day and just took it.

“They probably melted it down.

“There was no CCTV. I don’t know if they knew it was me or not because it was in the box and everything. I had golf clubs, as well, and they didn’t take them. A bit strange. It was in a boot with tinted windows.

“I was very upset. I was on my own and nothing had happened to me like that before, so I was a little bit scared.

“Then you feel a bit silly having it in the car. Maybe I should have taken it out. But you know, some things happen like this in life and you just get on with it, I suppose.”

The 23-year-old will now refocus in a bid to retain the title she won by two shots over Thailand’s Pornanong Phatlum.

Hall had two weeks off back in the UK prior to last week’s Evian Championship, where she finished in a tie for 37th.

Ranked 30th in the world, the Wimborne star has endured a tough 2019 and parted ways with her coach Dan Grieve two months ago, after three years working with him.

The former Canford Kid is tomorrow due to begin her first round alongside Brooke Henderson and Mamiko Higa (12.16pm).

“I’m actually very excited,” Hall said ahead of the opening round.

“I don’t feel any pressure. It’s really nice for me to be home because I’ve been in the US the whole year.

“I’ve done the hard travelling and now I can enjoy being at home with a home crowd. I think I’m going to get a lot of support, so I look forward to people out there watching me and cheering me on.”