Johannes Veerman wins Nedbank Golf Challenge at Sun City
Lee-Anne Pace. File Picture: Shaun Roy / Gallo Images.
Following rounds of 75, 73, 72 and 77 at Royal Birkdale for a share of 29th on nine-over-par 297, the Pearl Valley golfer flew straight to Toledo in Ohio to join compatriots Ashleigh Simon and Paula Reto at the Marathon Classic, which tees off on Thursday.
Pace vaulted to 89th on the LPGA Money List and rose 10 spots to 92nd in the LPGA Tour’s Race to the CME Globe.
She also climbed to 11th in the Ladies European Tour rankings, but the Investec Cup for Ladies champion said it should have been better.
“I played really very well on Sunday and it’s just a pity about the second last hole,” said Pace.
The eight-time Ladies European Tour champion offset three bogeys with a birdie at the eighth, but a double bogey, bogey finish at the last two holes cost her a top 20 finish.
“Unfortunately I hit the wrong club off the tee and found myself in a bad position at the 17th. I wasn’t able to get it back on the fairway.
“All in all I am very happy with the way I played, but I have to admit, I am frustrated with my finishes the last few weeks. I feel like I am playing much better than the scores reflect.
“I really enjoyed Royal Birkdale, and overall, I played some great golf. I just made a couple of silly club choices, but links golf can do that to you.
“It’s onwards and upwards, so I’m looking for another good week on the LPGA Tour.”
Pace, Simon and Reto will have the esteemed company of Stacy Lewis and Michelle Wie – the world number one and two – at the Highland Meadows Golf Club in Sylvania.
– Sapa
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