Lizette Salas thrilled to play among big names
Lizette Salas, who performed well at the 2012 RR Donnelley LPGA Founders Cup, is going to tee up at the Mobile Bay LPGA Classic this week, at Magnolia Grove’s Crossings Course.
Salas, a rising star who grew up playing golf, stunned the golf world when she posted a stunning 282 to finish tied for the 22nd. The 22-year-old has been looking to record her first LPGA (Ladies Professional Golf Association) triumph.
Salas has been associated with golf since the age of 7 — something analysts said reflects her passion for golf.
Recounting her early days in the sport, Salas said that her parents emigrated from Mexico, which means that she was not aware what golf was about.
Salas’s father, Ramon Salas, found a job at Azusa Greens Golf Course, where he works as the head mechanics.
The rising star said that her father has been a source of inspiration for her, as she learned several things from him.
Jerry Herrera, who currently coaches Salas, appreciated the young talent. He said that Raman Salas played the most pivotal part in propping up his daughter.
Herrera recounted his conversation with Raman Salas, saying he took keen interest in bringing his children to golf.
“I asked Ramon to help me out with a few things at my house, but when I tried to pay him, he wouldn’t take my money,” Herrera said. “Instead, he asked me to teach his children how to play golf”.
With good mentoring from Herrera, Salas quickly learned basic golf skills and started playing at a junior level.
She admitted that hailing from Mexican culture, golf had been a strange game to her, but owing to her spirits and determination, she became immersed in the sport without any trouble.
“Our culture is not usually exposed to this sport, but we had to show them through my play that golf could take me places,” the 22-year-old said.
Her performance in RR Donnelley LPGA Founders Cup was appreciated by her rivals and her coach. Despite the strong field that contained players like Paula Creamer and the current world number one Yani Tseng, Salas held her nerve and posted a good score.
She was superb in the second and third rounds, as she carded 69 and 68, respectively.
It remains to be seen how Salas will fare against experienced contenders at the Mobile Bay LPGA Classic. However, she looks confident due largely to her amazing performance at the Founders Cup 2012.
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