Slovenia’s Katja Pogacar faced a knockback last week when she was pushed out the top six in the Order of Merit by Calatayud Ladies Open winner, Hannah Screen by 3.96 points.
The 29-year-old made the cut last week finishing the tournament in tied 23rd place after rounds of 76,72 and 74. It wasn’t the week Pogacar wanted but she’s now ready to give it everything in the final event.
“Last week wasn’t the week I wanted. I was playing well at home the week before and I guess I was expecting a lot, but it was not the best week with striking the ball and putting. The last day was better, so it was good to see my game coming back into this week.
“Between the last two tournaments, I’ve taken a bit of time off. That is something I learned to do this year playing on LETAS. I’ve being doing some sightseeing in Spain.”
Pogacar has had a solid season with four top ten finishes. The Slovenian has also been in contention for the win twice, most notably at the Hauts de France where she missed out on a wire-to-wire victory after losing in a play-off to South Africa’s Lejan Lewthwaite.
Pogacar also holds the record this season for the most consecutive cuts made- 13.
Pogacar is yet to walk away this season without prize money which shows the consistency of her game.
Speaking about how she feels about her position in the LETAS Order of Merit, the Slovenian said: “It’s a whirlwind if you let it get to you, it can take you to dark places but I’m grateful for the opportunity.
“I’ve been in the top six a few times over this season, so I know what it’s like to feel the rush.”
Pogacar is a trailblazer in the game back home in Slovenia as she became the first woman from the Republic of Slovenia to qualify for the Ladies European Tour.
The Slovenian broke through to the tour in 2017 with a T19 place at the final stage of the Lalla Aicha Tour School Final Stage in Morocco.
Pogacar also made history as the first Slovenian to play on the Symetra tour and in 2019 came close to her first win on the LET at the ActewAGL Canberra Classic, sharing the lead with Anne Van Dam going into the final round and eventually finishing second.
“I’m happy to be here this week and the course is in great shape. It’s going to be a windy week which will make it more difficult but there are a lot of birdie opportunities out there.
“I’m just ready to give it my all this week. I’m hoping my experience will play to my advantage.
“At the end of the season, it does come down to what you did over the year so I’m trusting my process and sticking to what I’ve been doing.
“I’ve made good decisions and maybe some bad decisions, but everything can push me in the right or wrong direction. We’ll see how it goes this week.”
Pogacar starts her final push at 9:20am Thursday alongside those closest to her in the LETAS Order of Merit, England’s Hannah Screen and Gemma Clews.
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