Setting the Pace for Women’s Golf Development

After her recent victories at the Cell C SA Women’s Open at the San Lameer Country Club, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Blue Bay LPGA in Hainan, China, South Africa’s top women’s golfer Lee-Anne Pace is back in South Africa and is geared up for the inaugural First-Pace Golf Day for Girls.

The development initiative is scheduled for 11 November 2014 at the Pearl Valley Golf & Country Estate near Franschhoek.

First Car Rental and Lee-Anne Pace, who is now ranked 29th in the world, are collaborating with big names and brands in golf to hold a talent-spotting event for young girls who attend schools near the award-winning course.

The First-Pace Golf Day for Girls was originally set to happen in May this year, but was postponed after the announcement that Pace had qualified for an LPGA Tour event after a ranking reshuffle. Pace thought she would only be gone for a week, but performed well enough to continue playing for six more months.

The aim of the First-Pace Golf Day for Girls is to spot natural talent, combined with the right passion and attitude, at grass roots level. Two girls will be offered a sponsored prize package, valued at approximately R80, 000 each, as well as coaching and mentoring sessions from the best in the golfing industry over a 12 month period to develop their skills.

“It’s fantastic that First Car Rental is supporting women’s golf and taking the initiative to grow and develop the sport through the First-Pace Golf Day for Girls, especially in my home area near Paarl,” said Pace. “This event will help us scout for young talent. We hope to assist two star players develop their skills so that they can compete at a professional level one day.”

Although the event had to be postponed, First Car Rental Executive Head: Strategy, Development & Marketing, Melissa Storey, believes it was for the best.

“Lee-Anne has returned to South Africa with two 2014 international titles to her name. She was a star to begin with, but has proven that with passion and dedication, anything can be achieved. She will be an inspiration to the girls.”

Eleven government and private schools from the surrounding Franschhoek area were identified to participate in the day and 40 girls between the ages of nine and 17 were nominated by their school heads, coaches and teachers to take part in the fun, but testing afternoon.

The tutoring on the day will be conducted by South Africa’s number one ranked golfer, Lee-Anne Pace, and pro golfer and full-time teaching professional at Erinvale Golf Estate, Rae Hast. The pro golfer is also the author of Short & Sharp – Skills to Sharpen your Game and is member of the WPGA board

They will be supported at various stations by Swingfit South Africa coaching director James Wade, Pearl Valley Golf & Country Estate Golf Manager Carl Krog, as well as pro golfer Abrie Swanepoel and golf attendant Bridget Keogh, both from Pearl Valley Golf & Country Estate.

The First-Pace Golf Day for Girls aims to nurture young talent and help develop the proper attitude, character and personality upfront so that they may continue to become the country’s superstars tutored by the best there is.

The fully-sponsored prize package for the two winners includes playing rights and full use of facilities at Pearl Valley Golf & Country Estate; coaching and mentoring by professionals such as SwingFit, in association with Boland Ladies Golf, a set of golf clubs and bag, plus applicable golf clothing and shoes sponsored by Puma and Cobra.

Event details:

Date and time of event: Tuesday, 11 November 2014 from 15h00 – 17h00

Venue:  Pearl Valley Golf & Country Estate, Franschhoek, Western Cape