(Costa da Caparica, Portugal, May 6 2004) The Robe di Kappa Ladies European Tour swings northward from the Canary Island of Tenerife to the European mainland for this week’s €300,000 Ladies Open of Portugal, sponsored by Lancia, which starts Friday at Aroeira 1 GC on the outskirts of Lisbon on the Costa Azul.
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| Diana Luna – Maiden victory |
“I still keep over-borrowing with the putter at the moment as last week’s greens were very tough to read,” said Brewerton.
“There are chances for some low scores for a lot of players. I think there will be quite a few short irons into some holes, especially the par fives.
“I think I’m ready to win. I go to every tournament with that in mind and I don’t think anyone should just come here to make up the numbers.”
Finland’s Minea Blomqvist, the youngest of the Tour rookies might only be 19-years-old but has shown a maturity that belies her age since turning professional six months ago.
The diminutive platinum blonde from Helsinki has savoured victory on two occasions on the SA Nedbank Women’s Golf Tour at the Pam Golding Ladies International and the Telkom Women’s Classic and went on to win their Order of Merit a month ago and despite a poor third round during the howling winds in Tenerife, went on to finish outright fourth.
“I have a lot of trust in my game now and I feel ready to win on the LET,” said Blomqvist.
“I felt good playing in South Africa and it was good experience and last week was also good for me. I know that if I play well enough like I know I can, I will get the chance to win again.”
Also in the field are several stalwarts of the Tour including a plethora of Solheim Cup players past and present.
Esterl, who represented Europe at Barsebäck last year, will also be one to watch this year and after coming so close to winning her second LET title here last season, will start as one of the hot favourites.
Also, Spain’s Raquel Carriedo showed signs of the form that won her the European Order of Merit in 2001. The four time winner is noted for being one of the straightest hitters on Tour and a magician with the putter when she is on form…perfect credentials for the Spaniard to win her fifth LET title.
