South Africa’s Ashleigh Simon is ready to tee it up in this week’s ISPS Handa Ladies European Masters at Buckinghamshire Golf Club near London as one of a number of fellow Sunshine Ladies Tour winners along with Stacy Bregman, Nicole Garcia and Monique Smit, as well as Melissa Eaton, Connie Chen, Laurette Maritz and Namibia’s Bonita Bredenhann.
After an up-and-down season on the LPGA Tour, Simon is targeting a return to form on familiar territory. The two-time LET champion came close to clinching the title in 2013, but lost by a single stroke to seven-time Major champion Karrie Webb.
“My swing has definitely improved and my overall game is really good,” Simon said. “I’m starting to find form with the short game and I’m excited to work with my coach, Doug Wood, this week. I’m ready to turn a corner.”
If she can find the rhythm and pace on the fast and hard greens at Buckinghamshire, Simon could definitely be a contender this week.
Wanna Be A Champion stable-mate Garcia, whose performance at The International in Amsterdam was hampered by a niggling hip injury, is also back to full strength.
The one to watch, though, is Bregman, who tied for sixth in last year’s edition. The Joburg professional was slow off the mark in her first three starts on the LET this season after claiming a hat-trick of victories on the 2015 Sunshine Ladies Tour. Bregman is carrying some great form into this week, having tied for fourth in the Deloitte Ladies Open a fortnight ago.
Other notable names in the 144-strong field include LET champions Charley Hull, Melissa Reid, Dame Laura Davies, Solheim Cup stars Caroline Masson and Giulia Sergas, current order of merit leader Gwladys Nocera and 19-time tournament winner Trish Johnson.
The ISPS HANDA Ladies European Masters runs from Thursday to Sunday where world class golf is available to be enjoyed by all of the family. There are a range of activities available that are suitable for all ages including an artisan market with great food and crafts and the Golf zone where kids and adults can enjoy the game, with mini golf, hitting the targets, free lessons and much more.
This is an exclusive chance to meet international stars from The Solheim Cup in a perfect parkland setting at the beautiful Buckinghamshire Golf Club near London, easily accessible from major transport lines such as the M4, M40, M25 and national rail to Denham station.
This is the last chance to get involved so hurry to buy tickets at www.tickets.sky.com, or, if you like at the venue on the day. Kids under 16 go free.
