Ashleigh Simon and Stacy Lee Bregman will be teeing off alongside a group of notable local stars at the Cell C South Africa Women’s Open. These include Michelle Leigh, Tandi von Ruben, Francesca Cuturi, Morgana Robbertze, Betty Mokoena and amateurs Ivanna Samu, Kaleigh Telfer, Eleonora Galletti, Shawnelle de Lange and Natasha Carlsson.
Thirteen golfers from the West Rand will be part of a strong international and national field of 124 players competing in South Africa’s oldest women’s professional golf tournament at the San Lameer Country Club in KwaZulu-Natal from 16 to 19 October. This year’s event will feature the country’s leading professionals competing against a strong international field representing at least 20 countries.
Leading the hunt for the cup and prize purse of €320 000 (R5 671 690) is top Ladies European Tour (LET) golfer, Stacy Lee Bregman who placed tied second in last year’s tournament. Bregman has had a consistent year, with four top 10 finishes in Europe and currently is in the top 20.
Delighted with her form in 2014, Bregman says she is eagerly anticipating the start of the competition. “I have had a good 2014 thus far, having broken into the top 15 on the LET money list and would love nothing more than to win on home soil.
“This is probably my best season as a professional golfer; I have grown and matured and am so much stronger mentally, so I am really looking forward to competing in KZN. The SA Women’s Open is a fantastic event, one which all South African pros are proud to compete in,” says Bregman.
Joining her will be another West Rander Ashleigh Simon who never has played the course.
“I have seen the course and have been made aware of the tricky layout,” says Simon. Talking about the challenges, she says, “I think the weather, particularly the wind, could be a factor that would require more patience than usual, but if you
go in with a good game plan then you should be able to cope with external elements or factors beyond your control.
“Professional golf is hard work and often tests your mental strength and dedication, which is why ‘Smashley’ (referring to herself) says it’s imperative never to give up.
“You have to grind it out, constantly work hard to better yourself and your game and keep at it even when results are not going your way. When I encounter setbacks, I remind myself of all my accomplishments, believe in myself and my talent and then I work with my coach on whatever obstacle it is that I’m facing.”
Going stroke for stroke in the Cell C South Africa Women’s open, these thirteen club-wielding West Randers will have their eyes on the lucrative winner’s prize purse and bragging rights at the magnificent San Lameer Country Club.