For two days, Sophie Horn was the most-searched-for name on Google. KL magazine catches up with the remarkable woman from Tilney All Saints who’s been voted the world’s sexiest golfer
In addition to being a hugely-successful golfer, Sophie Horn is also an internationally-recognised model and TV presenter
If there’s a limit to ambition, it’s not something that Sophie Horn is particularly familiar with. Champion golfer, personal trainer, successful model, TV presenter, magazine columnist, Sophie’s already got a long list of notable achievements under her belt (oh, and that includes having her own branded belt buckle) – and she’s recently been appointed a De Vere Club Ambassador, along with Freddie Flintoff and Harry Redknapp.
Sophie’s been playing golf since she can remember, having grown up on a golf course (her parents run the Eagles Golf Centre at Tilney All Saints) – and at just 15 she won the Norfolk Under-21 title. She followed that up by becoming Norfolk County Champion for three years running, winning the Midlands Championship into the bargain and becoming Champion of Champions in 2001.
But for Sophie Horn, being a world-class golfer is only half the story. She’s also a fully-qualified Personal Trainer (Premier Training Level 3) and six years ago became The Golf Nurse for Golf Punk Magazine, contributing articles, advice and tips, as well as modelling clothing.
Never one to rest on her laurels, Sophie then moved in front of the cameras, co-presenting Show Me The Golf for the international sports broadcaster Setanta Sports, where her bubbly personality and attractiveness, allied to her undoubted golfing ability made her an instant hit with viewers.
She’s currently GQ Magazine’s Contributing Editor for golf, writing articles and offering instruction, and since becoming a De Vere Club Ambassador she’s been featured in advertising in a number of major golf magazines and on radio.
Probably her most notable print appearance to date was her August 2010 feature in the famous Sports Illustrated magazine – after which she became the most-searched-for name on Google for two days.
Last year, Sophie Horn really did reach the top of the world when both MTV.com and Sports Illustrated voted her The World’s Sexiest Golfer.
Sophie finished 2011 by releasing her first calendar, putting the final touches to her first ‘app’, and moving into the world of merchandising with her own specially-designed belt buckle (called, naturally enough, the ‘HORN’).
And she’ll soon be contributing a ‘Fit for Golf’ section on the Golfing World television show –which is currently shown in 35 countries (including Sky Sports in UK), 14 airlines and has a worldwide household audience of 350 million.
All this and Sophie still managed to find time in her busy schedule to talk to KL magazine about her career.
KL magazine: You’ve been playing golf from such an early age – did you ever consider doing anything else?
Sophie Horn: I’ve never imagined myself doing anything else – I feel like I was meant to play golf! I have tried a few different things – such as a Personal Assistant and an Air Hostess – whilst trying to realise my dream, and I’m delighted that I’ve been able to make golf and media my career.
KL magazine: Who’s been the biggest influence on your career?
Sophie Horn: My family have always been a great support and influence when it comes to my career. I’ve grown up in a sporting family. Also, my late grandfather Dennis Horn was a World Champion cyclist so sport has always been in my family.
KL magazine: Do you still consider King’s Lynn your home?
Sophie Horn: Yes – my career can get pretty crazy at times so it’s always nice to come back to the country and relax.
KL magazine: Do you consider yourself a golfer who models – or a model who plays golf?
Sophie Horn: I’m a golfer who models, although I do enjoy both sides of it.
KL magazine: You’re hardly the stereotypical golfer – is changing people’s impressions of the sport important to you?
Sophie Horn: Yes it is. The face of golf is changing. There’s a new breed of golfer such as McIlroy, McDowell, Poulter, and Horn (!) Golf gets more airtime and column inches now than it has ever done.
KL magazine: What’s the best golf course you’ve played?
Sophie Horn: Valderrama in Spain, closely followed by Eagles in Tilney All Saints, of course!
KL magazine: What single piece of advice would you give to an aspiring golfer?
Sophie Horn: Golf is definitely one of the hardest sports to master. You probably never completely master it, so embrace the challenge rather than let it get you down.
KL magazine: What single piece of advice would you give to an aspiring model?
Sophie Horn: Modelling is like art. Everyone has a different opinion of what looks good. Be confident and have a thick skin! And don’t change who you are.
KL magazine: You’ve already got plenty to choose from, but which of your achievements are you most proud of?
Sophie Horn: Having my own belt buckle designed for me with the ‘HORN’ logo is pretty special (it’s available from www.dbbelts.com).
And I guess having my first calendar out for 2012 is something to be proud of. You’ll find the calendar at www.glamourgirlcalendars.com/sophiehorn
KL magazine: What’s next on the horizon for Sophie Horn?
Sophie Horn: More presenting next year, and of course I’m always working on my golf. I also write for GQ Magazine and I’m the fitness expert for Golfing World.tv – I’ll also be having a few golf days next year with Freddie Flintoff and Harry Redknapp as we are De Vere Golf Ambassadors!
If the past is anything to go by, 2012 will a busy year for Sophie Horn – but you can catch up all the latest news from this remarkable local talent at www.sophiehorn.com.
