Can Eaton beat ’em?
The South African Women's Open has returned to San Lameer Country Club.
MELISSA Eaton’s trip to her former home town for the SA Women’s Open, which starts today (Thursday) and ends on Saturday, has already been filled with joy.
And it has nothing to do with golf. Rather, she been able to spend time with her family here, including her new nephew, Brayden, the infant son of her twin sister Nikki.
But by the time you read this, it will be ‘game face’ time as she attempts to win the national open at the scenic San Lameer Country Club.
She’ll have home ground advantage, with local golf fans rooting for her. That could provide a ’15th club’ of sorts.
Melissa, who learnt her golf at Port Shepstone Country Club, has low expectations, which could actually work in her favour.
“Golf isn’t my full-time gig any more. I have a permanent position at Parkview Golf Club in Johannesburg as assistant golf director, so golf took a back seat. But in December, when it was quiet at work in the afternoons, I was able to practise and play with some of the club members and in that way I was able to prepare for the season,” she explained.
Despite this, she almost won the SuperSport Ladies Challenge at Huddle Park Golf Club a few weeks ago, and is in more than decent form.
While winning the title would be the cherry on the cake, her secondary goal is to make it into the Top 10 for the Investec Cup final.
“I am looking forward to the tournament, I will have all the supporters on the course as well as my family and friends, that is just special to me and a challenge. I am hoping that I will be able to get it done in front of a home crowd,” said Melissa.
Melissa can expect stiff competition from defending champion Lee-Anne Pace, as well as the newly crowned SA Women’s Masters Champion, Carrie Park.
This tournament is sponsored by the Ray Nkonyeni Municipality.
Mayor Cynthia Mqwebu has been one of the driving forces in keeping the tournament local and promoting women’s golf in general.
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