US Women's Open: Lucy Williams thrilled to have father as caddy

Lucy's father Dave is a former European Tour pro and her grandfather was a speedway world champion

England's Lucy Williams has said her major debut at the US Women's Open will be even more special with her father, a former professional, as her caddy.

Dave Williams played on the European Tour and will carry the bag for his 24-year-old daughter at Pinehurst.

"It's going to be awesome that I can have my dad there with me," she told BBC Three Counties Radio.

"He coaches me now and to be able to have him with me is massive, I'd be so much more nervous without him."

Williams did not start playing golf until she was 14, but won the English Amateur title three years ago, and is now on the Ladies European Tour.

The Wheathampstead-based golfer, the granddaughter of former world speedway champion Freddie Williams, qualified for the US Open, which begins on Thursday at Pinehurst, by shooting a 144 at an international sectional in Buckinghamshire.

Lucy played in two LET events last year, but featured mainly on the Access Series

"There's not many sports you can do what we're going to do. Lucy is going to play and I'm carrying the bag - that's really special," said her father.

"It will be hard to top that. She may well win majors in years to come, but the first time going into a major and carrying her bag for her is special.

"Even if I had won a major I don't think I'd be as proud as I have been of Lucy - like when she beat Charley Hull in the final of the English amateur.

"I get a ridiculous feeling of pride watching her."

Williams says making the cut for the second half of the competition at the North Carolina course would be a success.

"I feel like my game is in a good place. I just hope I can get rid of the nerves when it comes to the round," she said.

"I'm feeling good about my short game which I think will be a massive thing from what I've heard about Pinehurst.

"If I make the cut in my first major I will be over the moon."