Nicole Garcia Phot Credit: Tristan Jones
Getting to know the Rookies: Nicole Garcia
We met Nicole Garcia, our rookie from South Africa, 23, during the Ladies Italian Open in Perugia.
Nicole earned Category 9b membership of the Ladies European Tour in December last year where finished tied for 34th at the Lalla Aicha Tour School Final Qualifying.
Her season highlights so far include qualifying for the US Women’s Open and making her first cut at the Ladies German Open presented by Marriott.
Tell us about your experiences on the Ladies European Tour so far.
I have been travelling back and forward from South Africa to the different tournaments. My first one was in New Zealand. I asked for an invite and it was very good that I could play there, because you get experience. This was my first time I have been to New Zealand and I met some wonderful people there… but no kiwis!
So far I’ve had brilliant experiences. In New Zealand I did not play very well, but then I went to Morocco. The first couple of months were not too good scoring wise, but I definitely learnt a lot from travelling, so that’s a good thing. I do feel like I am improving, but I am battling with the scores. Hopefully, everything will come together in the end.
I am really enjoying the whole experience so far. The courses have been great and the people I have met, I feel that we are a real family. The South African girls normally travel together, so I normally travel with Kim Williams and Maggie Yuan and some other friends.
Qualifying for the US Women’s Open was probably my highlight and playing it, especially in my rookie year. I went there with really big eyes and enjoyed the experience. We went there the week before and watched the men playing. We know some of the South Africans like Louis Oosthuizen, and Charl Schwartzel. He taught me a couple of things, which was really nice. I learnt so much.
Who are your role models?
My role model is Ashleigh Simon, as I am a bit closer to her, but of course Lee-Anne Pace. I met Lee-Anne quite recently as unfortunately we do not get much TV coverage in South Africa, so I have not seen her play much. I would say both of them are my role models, quite good in my eyes.
What part of your game you would need to improve to get better results?
My short game, definitely. If I do my stats, I am up there with my long game but way behind with my short game My putting average the last couple of weeks has been 35 (Some of current Nicole’s stats are: 32 putts average overall, 68,9 % fairways regulation and 67,9% greens in regulation). I am getting through it. The more you do it badly, the more anxious you get and it is worse, that’s the main reason I have missed cuts. If I fix that, I can improve.
What are your best and worst travel experiences?
My worst experience was when I woke up in my hotel and the bed was full of bed bugs and I had them all on my hair! My best experience… mmm, there are so many….. every tournament has had its unique moment.
What are your goals this year?
My goal at the moment is to improve my putting stats. I do not want to just look at cuts, I want to be competing. I will go back to South Africa in August and I will practice at the golf club where we have the South African Women’s Open, in September. I would love to win that one.
