South African Women’s Open: 'American' Melissa comes home
South African born Melissa Eaton-Jackson has confirmed that she will take part in the upcoming South African Women’s Open.
Melissa and her twin sister Nicola have long awaited a chance to play in the most prestigious golf tournament of South Africa. They are not alone. Almost all South African golfers have announced their participation in the tournament.
Melissa currently lives and plays in the US. She is married to an American and plays in Symetra Tour.
This tour has long held the reputation of preparing amateurs and pros for a place in LPGA. The tour requires a top-10 ranking on its money list before recommending a player for LPGA.
Melissa is very excited about the South African Women’s Open. It is a top level tournament that attracts many national and international sponsors and recruiters.
This will be her chance to make it to the LPGA. Her sister, Nicola has a similar motivation. She wishes to play on the Ladies European Tour, another prestigious golf tour.
Melissa has an advantage over American golf players who have not played much golf in South Africa. Selborne Park Golf Club is very near to her home in Port Shepstone. She has played there on a couple of occasions and is very familiar with the layout.
This is an advantage that will serve both the sisters well. Melissa, particularly, will have an edge over American players, many of whom have never played in South Africa. This is one of the points that might get the twins a decent position on the leaderboard.
Melissa has improved tremendously because of her interaction with top players on Symetra Tour. She plans to finish the tour and make it into the top-10 of the money list. This will be her ticket to a slot on the LPGA circuit.
She is not far from the goal and she has friends helping her on the way.
Talking about the support she has received so far, she said, “I have been so fortunate to have the help of a great sponsor from Houston and have been given some amazing opportunities that I believe will help me reach my goals”.
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