French amateur Nastasia Nadaud is no stranger to the Ladies European Tour (LET) and LET Access Series (LETAS) having played on both Tours in 2022.
The 18-year-old had a big summer of amateur events but also played five times on LETAS and made three appearances on the LET.
Nadaud ended the season 16th on the LETAS Order of Merit thanks to her victory at the Goteborg Open plus two top-10 ten and two further top-20 finishes.
While at the VP Bank Swiss Ladies Open, the teenager finished the tournament in T30 and as best amateur for that week.
The French golfer’s finish on the OOM meant she was exempt into the Final Qualifier at La Manga Club, which takes place this week and sees a five-round tournament take place over the North and South courses.
“I played five tournaments because I had a lot of amateur tournaments to play,” she said. “I didn’t play that many on LETAS, but it was really nice. I played all of them the year before and it’s getting better and better.
“Switzerland was my second tournament on the LET, I was the best amateur and it felt really great and motivated me so much to do the best here and get that card. Let’s see!”
Like many other Europeans, Nadaud made a visit to La Manga last month to take a look at the courses and get some practice in – especially since the weather has been very cold at home.
And since arriving, the LETAS winner has been pleasantly surprised with the warmth and hopes the sun continued to shine this week.
“I came here to La Manga Club one month ago just to see how the courses are,” she explained. “I didn’t know the North Course, so I discovered it and I played for a week.
“Now I know the courses quite well. It was a little bit difficult at home to play because it was snowing and really cold, but we managed to do some great stuff with my coaches, and we tried to focus on physical preparation too.
“I played nine holes, 18 holes and then nine holes to try and not be too tired heading into the tournament. It’s been really windy, but I think the next days will be quite good with sun out. It’s definitely warmer than my home.”
Naduad is one of five amateurs competing in the Final Qualifier, but this will be her final tournament as an amateur and she plans to turn professional for the 2023 season.
She added: “No matter what status I have at the end of the week, I think I will turn professional. I will play either on LET or LET Access Series or maybe a bit of both. I’ll turn pro in maybe one or two weeks; it will be before 2023 for sure.”
Follow all the action on @LETGolf, @letaccess and @LaMangaClub on Instagram and Twitter and Ladies European Tour on Facebook – #RaiseOurGame #LETQSchool #LaMangaClub.
