'Events like this great for women's golf'
The success of the SA Women's Open at Selborne Park is massive for the development of the local game, according to one of South Africa's leading coaches.
Neville Sundelson, who works with Stacy Lee Bregman, and has also worked with a host of players on the men's and women's circuit, says events of this magnitude are vital to boost the local game.
"Ths is unbelievable for our game. Events like this are great for women's golf especially, and it would be even better if they could secure a few more for us," he said during the final round at a blustery Selborne Park on Sunday.
"Too many of our players in the women's game don't get enough match practice at pro events, and they are on a hiding to nothing when they suddenly have to try and play in Europe," he pointed out.
But with several amateurs being handed invitations to play this week's Ladies European Tour event, Sundelson said the experience would come in very handy down the line.
"The problem is that they don't have a tour to test themselves on locally, and it would be great if we could get two or thee of this events on the calendar in a row."
Sundelson said that if other events could be added, the profile of women's golf would be raised significantly.
"Imagine if the girls played here, then moved onto Sun City, and then maybe down to the Cape. That would make such a difference and we would see an even better turnout from overseas players."
Sundelson said the event on the South Coast had definitely been a success, and pointed to the decent crowds that had pulled in on the final day, despite bad weather predictions.
"It's great for the players to have a crowd, and hopefully we can wrap up the weekend in style with a win for one of the local girls."
Unsurprisingly, Sundelson was hoping that Bregman would find some inspiration on the back nine and snatch the title from the likes of two-time champion Ashleigh Simon and Germany's Caroline Masson.
"She's a couple over, and she is hitting it really well. So you never know. If a few putts can drop, things can change very quickly," he smiled.
