LET Pre-Quali Asia event at Classic Golf and Country Club in Oct.

By Rahul Banerji

A growing number of Indian women golfers have in the recent past been making regular appearances on the Ladies European Tour – LET – and its ancillaries.

Making its tour accessible further, the LET on Tuesday said its 2022 Pre-Qualifier – Asia would be played in October at the Classic Golf and Country Club near Gurgaon.

The 2022 LET and LETAS Qualifying School will then take place in Spain this December.

With the return of the LET’s Qualifying School in December 2021, the next generation of golfers were able to begin their journey into professional golf, the LET said in a statement.

“The tournament continues to provide a pathway this year for players to secure playing rights for the 2023 season,” it added.

Securing a pathway

The Asia Pre Qualifier will be held at the Classic course from October 11 to 14 with the support of the Women’s Golf Association of India. The top players will advance to the Final Qualifier later in the year.

“Those hoping to qualify will tee it up on the Ridge and Valley course designed by Jack Nicklaus in the foothills of the Aravallis in the National Capital Region,” the LET said.

La Manga Club will once again host the qualifying school in December with the North and South Courses being used for the four-round Pre-Qualifier – Europe from December10 to 13.

The five-round Final Qualifier will follow from December 17 to 21 with the top 20 players and ties eligible for LET Membership in Category 11 for the 2023 season.”

The Spanish resort, which has a five-star hotel, three golf courses and a European Cricket Performance Centre with 29 grass wickets has played host to six editions of the qualifying school.

American Gabriella Then had a final round of 67 (-6) to win by four shots with Wales’ Amy Boulden in January 2020 and ended up clinching her maiden LET victory at the VP Bank Swiss Ladies Open later that year.

Impressive alumni

Anna Nordqvist, Caroline Masson, Caroline Hedwall and Jodi Ewart Shadoff took the honours in 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011 respectively, before going on to represent Europe multiple times in the Solheim Cup.

Anna Nordqvist, Caroline Masson, Caroline Hedwall and Jodi Ewart Shadoff took the honours in 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011 respectively, before going on to represent Europe in the Solheim Cup.

“We are delighted that the Classic Golf and Country Club are hosting a Pre-Qualifier for the LET’s Qualifying School,” said Alexandra Armas, LET Chief Executive Officer.

“The tournament in Asia is part of the LET’s strategy to give players from all parts of the world the opportunity to compete to become part of the LET and pursue their dreams with a career in professional golf.

“We are also grateful to be back at the wonderful La Manga Club again after such a successful tournament at the end of the 2021 season.”

Added Rajat Sethi of Classic Golf and Country Club: “It is an honour to host the Pre-Qualifier – Asia for the LET’s Qualifying School this year.

“We are excited to welcome the next generation of golfers to our signature golf course and assist players from all over the world to find their pathway in starting a career in professional golf.”

Up next on the LET schedule after South African Ashley Buhai’s dramatic playoff win at the AIG Open is the ISPS Handa World Invitational which will see Aditi Ashok, Diksha Dagar and Tvesa Malik in action.

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