Whickham’s Faye Wheatley had a week to remember as she made her Ladies European Tour debut at The Mithra Belgian Ladies Open.
Faye, who gained an invite to the event from Sir Nick Faldo following her victory in last season’s Faldo Series Grand Final, shot rounds of 76 and 78, having travelled to Belgium with her aunt Julie and coach Steven McDonnell.
“I’m so excited to play in more events after the week in Belgium,” said Faye.
“The whole event was another level to anything I’ve experienced in amateur golf and I learned so much about how professionals prepare and compete at the highest level.”
Having posted a four over-par opening round, Faye was in contention to make the cut before injuring her leg on the back nine of the second round and falling back through the field.
“I’ve definitely got some things to work on, but the whole experience has inspired me to work hard to make it to the Ladies European Tour one day.
“I’m gutted I got injured in the second round, but I managed to finish and I’m happy with how I played over the two days.”
Faye competed alongside LET players Jane Turner and Ellen Smets at Naxhelet Golf Club and took away lots of lessons from the week.
“Both my playing partners were fantastic and shared lots of advice and experiences with me. To spend two days with two very experienced tour players showed me a lot. I’ve also taken away lots of tips on how the players prepare, particularly preparing their bodies with the physios and loads of stretching – which will hopefully keep injuries to a minimum going forward.”
Sweden’s Linn Grant won the event and her second LET title with a nine under-par total of 201 as Englishwoman Cara Gainer finished in second place.
