Bregman primed for Swedish success

Coming off solid showing in the Aberdeen Asset Management Ladies Scottish Open on Sunday, South African’s Stacy Bregman is looking to extend her career-best season with another strong performance in this week’s Helsingborg Open in Sweden.

The Johannesburg professional broke into the top 15 on the Ladies European Tour money list with a tie for third at the Volvik RACV Ladies Masters in Australia early this season. She protected her ranking with a joint fifth finish at the Italian Ladies Open in June and successfully maintained her standing ranking with a fourth top 20 finish in the €250,000 event at Archerfield Links in East Lothian, Scotland.

“This is undoubtedly my best season since I turned pro in 2007,” Bregman said.

“Obviously I’ve gained a lot of experience over the last seven years and that experience is starting to pay off.  I believe the biggest breakthrough has been on the mental side of the game, though. My mental attitude has made the biggest difference this year.”

Bregman is reaping the benefits of working with renowned sport psychologist, Maretha Claassen.

“I used to get very intense on the golf course and I just got in my own way. I found it hard to recover from bad shots and bad rounds, because I am such a perfectionist.

“Maretha has helped me to accept that bad shots happen. I’ve learned to let go and move on and I’m a much better golfer for it. Instead of fighting with myself, I now focus forward. I can leave it behind and it has definitely lifted my game.”

The reigning Zambia Ladies Open champion spent a lot of quality time during the recent break at the Momentum World of Golf with her long-time coach, Neville Sundelson, to prepare for the next stretch in Europe.

“I’ve been working with Neville for many years and I always touch base with him when I’m home.

“We make sure everything is still in good working order and it’s always good to have his stamp of approval before I head back to Europe.

“Putting has always been my Achilles Heel, so I also did a lot of work with my short game coach, Neil Cheetham. I’m hitting the ball really well and I have definitely improved my action with the short stick, so I am heading into the next couple of tournaments with a good level of confidence.

Although she is still chasing a maiden win in Europe, Bregman says it no longer consumes her life.

“You know, I was my own worst enemy in the past. I used to chase victory from the first tee in the first round and I never realised just how much unnecessary pressure I put on myself.

“I’ve matured a lot in the last year, and I know the win will come. With the second stage of the LPGA Qualifying School just a few weeks away, consistency is at the top of my priority list. That is far more important to me right now.”

Sunshine Ladies Tour campaigners Kim Williams, Nicole Garcia and Nobuhle Dlamini from Swaziland will also join the action at Vasatorp Golf Club, as Connie Chen, who missed the cut in Scotland.

PHOTO – Reigning Zambia Ladies Open champion, Stacy Bregman; credit Catherine Kotze / SASPA