Following an emotional maiden victory on the Ladies European Tour (LET), Sara Kouskova is hopeful the success of her and her compatriots can help motivate the next generation of golfers in the Czech Republic.
Kouskova secured a two-shot victory at the Jabra Ladies Open last month, joining Klara Davidson Spilkova, Jana Melichova and Kristyna Napoleaova as the only Czech women to win on the LET.
Less than two weeks on, the 25-year-old now hopes her triumph can help inspire young golfers in her country.
“It’s very sweet that we’re all there and we’ve all been able to win on Tour,” Kouskova said. “To celebrate together with them was so special. It’s great for Czech golf and the younger stars coming up. I hope it can be a huge motivation for them to come and join us. I know Patricie [Mackova] and Tereza [Melecka] and now also keen to win so I’m excited for them too.
“I’ve been enjoying being a winner. It was rather overwhelming, the whole week after. I tried to respond to as many messages that I could – sorry to those I haven’t yet! But I was able to go home after the win and celebrate with the family. It was nice to have some down time and soak it in. No party yet, maybe later! It was just great to be with the family.”
Kouskova’s maiden win came just under a year on from her Olympic debut where she represented the Czech Republic alongside Davidson Spilkova in Paris. Despite the pair’s success, Kouskova still believes the profile of golf in the country can be improved.
She explained: “I think sometimes as Czech players and as part of the Czech Federation, we need to take more credit for what we have done. I think there’s still so much more potential that we can use towards the visibility of Czech golf. Golf is a really successful sport in Czech right now. But we still haven’t quite got there from a media point of view which is a little sad, so we can definitely do more.”
As for this week, Kouskova tees up at the Tenerife Women’s Open at Abama Golf. Despite her heroics at Evian Resort, the Olympian, now third in the LET Order of Merit, is continuing to stay level headed.
“[The win] doesn’t change too much,” Kouskova said. “We’ll continue to do the same work we’ve been doing, trying to perform as best as we can, maybe try and have another run this week. I have reached two of my big goals now this season, getting into a major and getting that win. I’m now really excited to get ready for the majors.
“It’s my first time in Tenerife. The course is spectacular with the views and the nature. It’s incredible. Lots of hills to climb up! But I’m excited. I’ll keep working on the same stuff, hitting my shots and putting well. We’ll see what the week brings.”
Kouskova gets underway at the Tenerife Women’s Open on Thursday at 10:09am local time playing alongside Casandra Alexander and Shannon Tan.
Follow all the action throughout the tournament on our socials – @LETgolf on Instagram, TikTok and X, and Ladies European Tour on YouTube and Facebook – #OpenTenerife.
