Cheyenne Woods returns to Royal Pines Resort on the Gold Coast as a former champion of the RACV Ladies Masters and should she reproduce the form that saw her sweep to victory in 2014, she will have a great chance of lifting the crystal trophy for the second time.
The popular American, well-known as Tiger Woods’ niece, is making her third successive appearance in the tournament to be played from February 25-28.
Born in 1990, ironically the same year as the inaugural Australian Ladies Masters, Woods has always looked the part on the golf course – stylish and oozing charisma.
As a rookie in the field in 2014, Woods soon worked out a strategy that fitted perfectly with her ability to play to her strengths and finished two shots clear of Australian sensation Minjee Lee, an amateur at the time.
She made light work of the unfamiliar golf course and became one of only a handful of players to break par in every round when she carded 69-67-71-69 for a 276 total – 16-under par.
Woods, who joined the Ladies European Tour in 2013 and currently plays on the US LPGA Tour, was denied last year when she finished in a tie for 26th.
RACV Ladies Masters tournament chairman Bob Tuohy said Woods was “an absolute asset to the event.”
“Cheyenne will add spark to the event,” he said. “Apart from being a past champion, Cheyenne is a very good player.
“She also has a nice presence, a lot of charisma and goes about her job on the golf course in a professional manner.
“In the US, she has a huge following via Twitter, Facebook and on television, which is important when it comes to the RACV Ladies Masters.”
Minister for Tourism and Major Events, Kate Jones, said securing the talented Woods was a win for the tournament and Queensland tourism.
“It’s fantastic to have Cheyenne back in Queensland where she scored her very first tour victory at the 2014 RACV Ladies Masters,” Minister Jones said.
“The name Woods is synonymous with world golf and Cheyenne will be a big drawcard at the RACV Ladies Masters which will bring thousands of visitors to the Gold Coast.
“Securing marquee players such as Cheyenne helps Tourism and Events Queensland achieve the objective of inspiring more visitors to experience the best destination on earth, Queensland.”
From Phoenix in Arizona, Woods is the daughter of Earl Woods Jnr, Tiger’s half-brother.
She turned professional in 2012 after an All-American career at Wake Forest University. Her only previous professional victory came in 2012 in the SunCoast Series in the US.
