Mo Martin’s victory Sunday at the Ricoh Women’s British Open will help keep a “sanctuary” of special memories in her family.
Martin told reporters at Royal Birkdale that the biggest payday of her life will help keep and maintain her grandfather’s ranch in Porterville, Calif. He died almost four months ago, and she has been concerned about the future of the property.
“We weren’t quite sure we were going to be able to keep the ranch, but it’s a very special place for me,” Martin, who earned $474,000 for the win, said in her postround news conference Sunday. “It’s kind of my sanctuary, and it’s nice to have all the memories that I have with Grandpa. It’s an incredible place.”
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Lincoln Martin, Mo’s grandfather, died last March at 102. He was a character of many talents, including those of a musician and inventor, and his ranch became a second home to Mo, who was devoted to him. She wore his initials on a necklace in her victory Sunday.
“This win will definitely help keep it in the family,” Martin said. “It’s been what I wanted to happen.”
With her father estranged from her grandfather as she grew up, Mo didn’t really become close to Lincoln until she was playing golf at UCLA. After her father’s death, Mo decided to visit her grandfather at his ranch. When she walked into his office there, she was overwhelmed. He had an entire wall devoted to her, clippings, photos and maps marking her golf journeys.
“I cried when I saw it,” Martin said in March after her grandfather’s death.
Lincoln was Mo’s biggest fan, and even after turning 100, he flew to follow her in LPGA events her rookie year. The family has apparently worked together to keep the property.
“My Aunt Mary did a tremendous thing, and she made the big effort, I think it’s almost finalized, to keep it in the family,” Martin said. “But I will definitely be able to help keep it now, and we need a new roof and things like that.”
