‘Where has that time gone?’: first Women’s Open champion Jenny Lee Smith on 1976 glory, Kevin Keegan and finding her secret twin

Jenny Lee Smith, the inaugural Women's Open champion, is mourning the loss of football legend Kevin Keegan. The 1976 Women's Open winner, who will be presenting the prize to the tournament's leading amateur at this year's event, reflected on her past with Keegan when discussing his passing. At 75, Keegan's death has left Smith in tears. Their bond was forged through golf, with Keegan's Scottish and Newcastle Breweries sponsorship sharing a similar partnership with Smith's golf career. Smith describes Keegan as a "lovely chap" who kept in touch while she was on tour, often inquiring about her schedule and well-being.

Smith's own golfing exploits remain vivid in her memory, particularly her time at the inaugural Women's British Open. In a remarkable turn of events, Smith won the tournament despite a last-minute bout of illness, beating Mary McKenna by a stroke on the 18th hole. The victory marked a turning point in Smith's career, one she still cherishes today. Reflecting on the milestone with her impending visit to Royal Lytham & St Annes as a guest of the R&A, Smith asked, "Where has that time gone?" As the prize purse at the Women's Open has increased exponentially since then, with this year's winner earning $1.5m, Smith looks on with a mixture of nostalgia and appreciation for her journey in the sport.

The story of Smith's life is a multifaceted one, marked by significant events both on and off the golf course. Her golf achievements, including the 1976 Women's Open victory, will be recognized during her visit to the Women's Open this week. However, Smith's life has been equally defined by her discovery of a twin sister, an experience depicted in her 2013 book, My Secret Sister. Smith continues to maintain a strong connection to her roots in Newcastle, a bond cemented through her sporting achievements and enduring friendships.