Pace set for title defence in Spain

The reigning Investec Cup for Ladies champion is among 11 of the top 20 ranked players on the Ladies European Tour (LET) set to challenge for glory at the Golf Costa Adeje.

Compatriots Stacy Bregman, Connie Chen, Kim Williams and Nicole Garcia would also line up in the 126-strong field that is further strengthened by five LET winners this season.

Some familiar faces from the Sunshine Ladies Tour, include Holly Aitchison from England, Italy’s Sophie Sandolo, Anne-Lise Caudal from France Swaziland’s Nobuhle Dlamini, Bonita Bredenhann from Namibia.

It was twelve months ago when Pace defeated Sweden’s Mikaela Parmlid by one shot to claim her seventh LET title at the Club de Campo Villa de Madrid.

The Spanish success sparked a superb run that ended with a clutch of rewards for Pace.

She reeled in her eighth LET title at Sanya Ladies Open in October, finished second in the final standings on the LET and secured her card for the 2014 LPGA Tour season.

She also earned a South African sportswoman of the year nomination and was named the LET’s player’s player of the year and Complete Golfer’s player of the year for 2013.

Pace has predominantly campaigned in the US was excited to back in Europe.

“It’s a very relaxing week, and I’m looking forward to getting my title defence underway. I always look forward to Tenerife,” Pace said.

The Pearl Valley golfer would have Italian Open winner, Florentyna Park from England and Scottish rookie Amy Boulden to contend with in the first two rounds.

In a career-best season, Bregman has stayed in the top 20 with four top 10 finishes in Europe, including a tie for third at the Volvik RACV Ladies Open and joint fifth the Italian Ladies Open.

The reigning Zambia Ladies Open champion hopes the Spanish magic rubs off, she said.

“I still haven’t won in Europe, but that is no longer a priority for me,” Bregman said.

“The win will come when it comes, but gaining consistent top 10 finishes is a greater priority.”

– Sapa