Denmark’s Sofie Kibsgaard Nielsen has had a sensational season on LETAS after clinching a third win at the Lombardia Ladies Open and securing her card for the LET in 2024.
Yet, the 24-year-old rookie has one mission left; to finish the two events in Spain as the Order of Merit and Rookie of the Year leader.
“It feels amazing to have my card secure, my goal for the year was to get the card and I’m so proud of myself for achieving it.
“Yet I don’t feel like I’m done yet, I want to finish on the top of the Order of Merit list.”
At last year’s Calatayud Ladies Open, Kibsgaard Nielsen found herself in a four-way play off alongside the eventual winner England's Amy Taylor, New Zealand's Momoka Kobori and current LETAS top six player Elena Moosmann after they all finished on nine-under-par.
Now, the Dane is determined for a comeback at Calatayud and hopes to go one better than last year’s second place position.
“I am ready for Spain. I played Calatayud last year as an invite and I finished in the play off but I didn’t bring home the win. It would be amazing to do that this year.
“I’m very excited to go back to the course and see how different my game is going to be this year.
“Looking back to one year ago, a lot has happened so anything could happen!
“I’m also looking forward to the Spanish weather as well as it’s rubbish weather in Denmark now!”
Kibsgaard Nielsen starts her Spanish campaign at 13:40pm Wednesday alongside Slovenia’s Katja Pogacar and Ireland’s Lauren Walsh.
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GALVEZ GETTING READY FOR STRONG WEEK IN CALATAYUD
Herraez Galvez’s second place finish at the Lombardia Ladies Open has boosted the Spaniard’s confidence going into this week at home.
In Italy, the 25-year-old from Madrid recorded rounds of 74, 69 and 69 to finish second on four-under-par, four strokes behind the winner, Sofie Kibsgaard Nielsen.
Now, Herraez Galvez is determined to go one better at the Calatayud Ladies Open and is embracing the comforts which come from playing at home.
“The feeling of playing at home is great, especially knowing the food and language. You don’t worry about being in another country and adjusting, its more comfortable."
The Spaniard made the cut at last year’s event and finished 51st so is hoping to perform stronger this year.
“Last year I played Calatayud and have good memories, the course is good fun and requires lots of different kinds of shots. It’s a good challenge.”
Last week, the Spaniard’s home course Club de Campo Villa de Madrid hosted the DP World Tour, and the golfer has been taking inspiration from the men for this week.
Herraez Galvez currently sits 32nd on the LETAS Order of Merit and will be looking to have two strong finishes in Spain to make the top 21 and skip the pre-qualifying stage of Q school.
“I believe I am a Spanish fighter, give us a chance and watch this space!”
Read the full article on the LETAS website here.
MARTIN MAKING THE MOST OF THE LAST TWO EVENTS IN SPAIN
Spain’s Marta Martin is happy to be back on home soil this week as she gets set to perform strong at this week’s Calatayud Ladies Open.
The 26-year-old from Madrid has had a strong season on LETAS with two top-10 finishes and two top-15 finishes including a maiden win at the AMUNDI Czech Ladies Challenge.
“I’m feeling great ahead of this week. Playing at home is always special and having the opportunity of finishing the last two weeks of the season at home with family and friends is cool."
Whilst Martin did not compete at last year’s event the Spaniard is familiar with the course having played it when it first opened 15 years ago.
“I thought I was going to remember the course a little bit more, but it was a long time ago.
“I like the course, it’s a very Hispanic landscape. The course is also fun and very strategic from the tees.
“The greens are so good! I think every player is talking about the greens and how great they are so that’s exciting.”
Martin is currently within the top-10 on the LETAS Order of Merit, sitting in ninth place, around 400 points away from sixth spot so is eager to finish well at the last two events.
“This week I want to keep doing what I have been doing all season, working hard, and enjoying the process. Of course, I will be trying to win.
“The goal this year is to get one of those six cards and that is still possible. It’s in the back of my mind but I try not to think about it when I’m playing on the course as I just want to focus on playing my best golf.
“If I take it one shot at a time, that card will be mine at the end of this year.”
Martin starts the tournament at 13:50pm tomorrow alongside Switzerland’s Elena Moosmann and England’s Gemma Clews.
FORMAT
95 players, 54-hole stroke play, cut to top 45 professionals and ties after 36 holes.
PURSE
€50,000
SOCIAL MEDIA
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PAR AND YARDAGE
36-36–72; 6264 yards/5728 metres (subject to change)
