Investec Sunshine Ladies Tour concluded
Benonian golfers are done with the Sunshine Ladies tour and are feeling confident for their next few Opens.
The final two rounds of the Sunshine Ladies Tour have concluded, and Benonian golfers Lejan Lewthwaite and Nicole Garcia have mixed feelings about the tour overall.
Dimension Date (May 7-9)
“The weather was tough on the last day of Dimension Data, so I’m pretty pleased with my final round score of 72,” said Garcia.
“I love going down to Fancourt to play in the Dimension Data, it is such a well-run event on some of South Africa’s finest golf courses,” said Lewthwaite.
“It’s truly golf heaven down there. Again, my golf wasn’t where I wanted it to be, but I’m figuring things out and will hopefully get my good swing habits back soon.”
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Investec South African Women’s Open (ISAWO, May 13-16)
“I played consistent golf in the ISAWO. I struggled with my pace and feel on the greens but overall I’m happy with how I played,” said Garcia.
“The Investec South African Women’s Open is my favourite event of the year, hosted in the Mother City – Cape Town. My golf was a whole lot better than previous weeks, however, my second round set me back quite a bit and probably threw away my chances at a high finish in the tournament,” explained Lewthwaite.
“Other than this I was pleased with how I played and fought through the tough conditions with which we faced,”
Lewthwaite placed 51st overall, while Garcia took third place.
“I came third and earned a spot at this year’s US Open, which I am very happy about. I am so pleased that my golf is starting to come together,” said Garcia.
“I finished 51st. I wasn’t overly pleased with my final result but I always push and strive to be closer to the top contenders. However, I was still very glad that I made the cut line and kept fighting for a higher finish,” said Lewthwaite.
These Benonians both had moments that stood out for them throughout the whole tour and shared with the City Times their favourite rounds.
“The first round of ISAWO was my favourite because I held it together and made a great comeback after a shaky start which felt really good,” said Garcia.
“But my most memorable moment was making the putt on the last hole of the ISAWO and knowing I had made it into the US Open. My most memorable moment this tour has to be playing all four rounds at the Investec SA Open,” said Lewthwaite.
“Conditions aren’t always easy at West Lake Golf Club, and having the grit when my confidence was low to withstand the tough conditions shows character.”
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Both ladies felt that they took away many lessons from this tour and are excited for what is to come for them next.
“After being out for so long there were so many mistakes that I made, that by this time next year I think I will be a completely different player,” said Garcia.
“My next event is the US Women’s Open in San Francisco USA. It starts in June and is one of the majors. After that, I go to Sweden and play an event there and then I carry on playing on the Ladies European Tour for the rest of the year.
“The biggest lessons I have learnt this year is to trust fully in myself and my own talent and secondly, to fight until the last putt sinks, no matter what your scoreline is,” said Lewthwaite.
“I am in Italy now for the Ladies Italian Open. After that, I will be heading to France for the Jabra Ladies Open at the Evian Championship Golf Course.
“After which I will then head to Sweden for the Scandinavian Mixed hosted by Henrik Stenson and Annika Sorenstam. I am very excited for this event as the men and women will be competing in the same event for equal prize money.”
Thank you
“My final thank you first go to my family and friends who have supported me through these last couple years and to my fiancé and Coach Grant Veenstra who always backs me.
“Finally to my sponsors, without them, I wouldn’t have been able to financially support my career. Investec, Srixon and Puma have played a big role in getting me back out on tour,” said Garcia.
“It has been another fantastic home stretch of events on the Sunshine Ladies Tour. I would like to thank the Sunshine Tour for putting together another string of great tournaments for us ladies,” said Lewthwaite.
“I would also like to thank Investec who have backed and shown immense support to not only me but all women in golf and last but certainly not least, all the sponsors of our events, and the sponsors that help me make my golf career possible, Investec, Taylormade SA, Skechers and Serengeti Estates. Thank you!”
