Smit claims first Asian top 10

Two-time Sunshine Ladies Tour winner Monique Smit defied challenging weather conditions in Taiwan to claim her first top 10 finish on the Ladies Asian Golf Tour.

The Southern Cape player carded rounds of 74, 76 and 73 in the weather-delayed Yeangder Open at the Linkou International Golf Club in New Taipei. She finished seven strokes off the pace from winner Tamie Durdin from Australia, who carded rounds 69, 73 and 74 to triumph on even-par 216.

“It was like playing the Tshwane Ladies Open all over again,” Smit said. “Given the trying conditions and all the delays, I am happy with my performance.

“The first round rained out completely, so we returned for a shot gun start on day two to try and get through 36 holes. Then we had a fog delay that stole another hour and a half and they were forced to suspend play due to diminishing light, so we had to return to finish three holes before the cut.

“After the re-draw, another shotgun start. I was pleased to get it done and dusted.”

Earlier this year, Smit finished second in the Sunshine Ladies Tour rankings after winning the Dimension Data Ladies Pro-Am and SuperSport Challenge, and three top five finishes that included second at the Investec Cup for Ladies.

The top 10 performance in Asia has lifted Smit to 29^th on the Ladies Asian Golf Tour Order of Merit.

 “I gained a lot of confidence on the Sunshine Ladies Tour and I want to build on that confidence as I hopefully play my way back to the Ladies European Tour,” Smit said.

“I signed with Nike recently and I am really enjoying the new clubs and ball. This was my first top 10 in Asia and now that I’ve broken into the top 30, the top 20 is my next goal. And hopefully I can also break into the winner’s circle this year.”

Her next start will be the Kenda Tyres Open at the Taipei Golf Club in Taoyuan, Taiwan from 28-30 May.

PHOTO – Monique Smit; credit Catherine Kotze / SASPA.