Pace looks ahead after British Open

South Africa’s Lee-Anne Pace is geared for another solid week on the LPGA Tour after sealing her position at 55th in the Women’s World Golf rankings with a top 30 finish at the Ricoh British Women’s Open on Sunday.

Following rounds of 75, 73, 72 and 77 at Royal Birkdale for a share of 29^th on nine-over-par 297, the Pearl Valley golfer flew straight to Toledo in Ohio to join compatriots Ashleigh Simon and Paula Reto at the Marathon Classic, which tees off on Thursday.

Pace vaulted to 89^th on the LPGA Money List and rose 10 spots to 92^nd in the LPGA Tour’s Race to the CME Globe. She also climbed to 11^th in the Ladies European Tour rankings, but Investec Cup for Ladies champion said it should have been better.

“I played really very well on Sunday and it’s just a pity about the second last hole,” said Pace.

The eight-time Ladies European Tour champion offset three bogeys with a birdie at the eighth, but a double bogey, bogey finish at the last two holes cost her a top 20 finish.

“Unfortunately I hit the wrong club off the tee and found myself in a bad position at the 17^th. I wasn’t able to get it back on the fairway.

“All in all I am very happy with the way I played, but I have to admit, I am frustrated with my finishes the last few weeks. I feel like I am playing much better than the scores reflect.

“I really enjoyed Royal Birkdale, and overall, I played some great golf. I just made a couple of silly club choices, but links golf can do that to you. It’s onwards and upwards, so I’m looking for another good week on the LPGA Tour.”

Pace, Simon and Reto will have the esteemed company of Stacy Lewis and Michelle Wie – the world number one and two – at the Highland Meadows Golf Club in Sylvania.

Meanwhile Mo Martin, who sealed her first Major title with a spectacular eagle finish at Royal Birkdale, is taking a well-deserved break.

‘Mighty Mo’ knocked in a six foot putt for eagle at the par-five 18^th for a final round 72 to finish on one-under-par 287. She finished one shot clear of Korea’s Imbee Park and Susanne Petterson from Norway and moved up 73 spots to 26nd in the Rolex Rankings.

PHOTO – Lee-Anne Pace; credit LET.