Editor’s Note: Emily Talley has always been a popular player on the Epson Tour because her appearances on Golf Channel’s Big Break and her engaging personality. She is now living in Oslo, Norway and preparing for Ladies European Tour (LET) Q-School. Talley finished 54th on the Volvik Race for the Card money list in 2014 and still will have top status on the Epson Tour in 2016 and she told us she still plans to play in the United States. We caught up with Emily to find out what she’s up to and what it's like to live full-time in Norway.
Q: What’s Oslo, Norway like? Are you enjoying living their?
Emily: Oslo is amazing. It's a beautiful city and not overwhelming at all. You can get around on foot and explore so much and I've been having a blast doing that. I have been in a language course since the first day I arrived in Oslo and we have found an apartment so I am feeling so settled so quickly. Oslo is a very active and healthy city and I love that. I'm constantly seeing people out for a run, bike ride, hike, etc. and I feel like it's a wonderful environment to be around. So yes, I am definitely enjoying living here!
Q: How’s training going for LET Q-School?
Emily: Training for the LET tour school is going really well. I have started working with a new coach, Jonas Lilja, here in Oslo and things have been going really well. Yes, I'm working to prepare for LET Q-school, but most importantly I am preparing to play better golf next year than this past season! An indoor/outdoor golf facility, ToppGolf, here in Oslo has opened their doors to me which has been absolutely amazing. I really appreciate their generosity and the kindness that the Norwegian Golf Federation has shown me since I told them I was moving to Oslo! They have been so helpful and this move would not have been so easy without them.
Q: Will you play in the United States in 2016?
Emily: I have not made any concrete plans regarding where and how much I'll be playing next year, but I will definitely be playing again on the Epson Tour a lot whether I get my LET card or not. And once the schedules for the Epson Tour and LET tours come out, I'll have a better idea. And I'll definitely be back in California and the rest of the U.S. for my sponsor's events as well. I definitely have not left the U.S. for good :). Far from it!
Q: We hear you are taking Norwegian language classes – how’s that going?
Emily: The language class here in Oslo has been amazing. Four hours a day, four days a week and only Norwegian is spoken in class. So they mean business! I have finished my 4th week of the class and I have 2 more weeks to go! I really want to learn to speak the language here because I feel terrible when people have to accommodate for me in their own country. I expect people to be able to speak English to me in the U.S. and I expect myself to able to communicate in Norwegian in Norway... Soon :)
Q: What do you miss most?
Emily: I definitely miss my family and being able to talk to them at all times of the day. That's the hardest part so far. When I wake up in Oslo, they are going to sleep in California and I have to wait until late afternoon here for them to be awake again. So it takes some planning and organization but Skype, FaceTime and What'sApp are life savers! Oh, and I miss Chipotle!
Q: What’s the coolest place you’ve visited in Norway so far?
Emily: Norway is one of the most beautiful places on the planet. So honestly I can say I haven't visited a place that I haven't enjoyed. There is a hike to a view point, called Vettakoltoppen, in Oslo with a killer view of the entire city. So last week I went for a hike in the afternoon and made it to the top in time for the sunset and it didn't disappoint. So that place is going to be a favorite for a long time.
Q: Is the LPGA still a big goal for you?
Emily: The LPGA is absolutely the ultimate goal. I think deep down it always will be but I have to enjoy the journey and not only the destination. And now my journey has taken me over to Norway! Whether Oslo will be home forever or just for a time, I'm going to enjoy it and all the wonderful things it can offer while I continue to chase after that LPGA dream!
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