From Harleys to Harriott

Ainsley Harriott struggles once he reaches the greens

By BBC Sport Online's Elizabeth Hudson at Sunningdale

Laura Davies is well known for her penchant for fast cars and the odd bet.

But some of her rivals at the Women's British Open at Sunningdale occupy their spare time in other ways.

The top two players in the world, Karrie Webb and Annika Sorenstam, do not seem to have too much time for hobbies.

But when they do Webb likes fishing, basketball and reading, while Sorenstam enjoys cookery.

Ainsley Harriott had better watch out on Ready Steady Cook - he may be an expert at cooking meat but Sorenstam's a dab hand when it comes to the greens.

Sorenstam's favourite club is the sandwich

There are those on the tour who prefer down-to-earth pursuits like music and reading, but others enjoy some more activity in their off-course lives.

Sweden's Catrin Nilsmark used to hold a light aircraft's pilot's licence but now prefers life on two wheels - a Harley Davidson motorbike. She also likes horse riding.

American Jen Hanna is another fan of outdoor pursuits.

Hanna enjoys rock climbing, mountain biking, hiking and in-line skating, while Dale Reid can be found messing about in boats.

Given her surname, you can excuse Australian Shani Waugh for having her mind on other things during this tournament.

Waugh is no relation of the Aussie cricket stars Steve and Mark Waugh, but she is a big fan and will be taking a keen interest in matters at Trent Bridge.

She also enjoys boogie boarding, something that is probably not too familiar to the folks of Sunningdale.

Steve Waugh wonders how big the bunker is

Many players take part in other sports, but few to the standard of Sweden's Maria Hjorth.

Hjorth currently tops the Ladies European Tour Order of Merit, but she also plays curling and has lined up in Sweden's highest division.

Fellow Swede Marlene Hedblom, who is a qualified nurse, is also fond of ice.

She is an ice hockey fan and her favourite drink is... brandy on ice.

On the creative side, America's Rosie Jones has a long list of hobbies including woodworking, arts and crafts and gardening.

Karen Weiss, who can boast a degree in American History and Sociology of Law and Criminology, enjoys antiques and home renovation.

American Dorothy Delasin, the 2000 LPGA Rookie of the Year, enjoys nothing better than a good karaoke session.

While her compatriot Jill McGill confesses to singing in the shower.

Among McGill's other hobbies are throwing darts and, more bizarrely, jumping over rose gardens, while LPGA veteran Dottie Pepper is a keen wine collector.

Sherri Steinhauer putts her faith in the stock market

Other players just enjoy spending money.

Welsh star Becky Morgan, who only joined the European Tour this year after a successful amateur career, loves shopping.

She is certainly not alone. Others to enjoy a bit of retail therapy include America's Emilee Klein and Korea's Mi Hyun Kim.

On the other hand, there are those who believe you have to speculate to accumulate.

The winner of the Women's British Open in 1998 and 1999, Sherri Steinhauer, enjoys taking the odd risk or two dabbling in the stock market.