The 25-year-old, who was born in Athens, played in three LETAS events last year as an amateur with a season-best tie for 16th at the La Nivelle Ladies Open.
Playing in the professionally organised tournaments allowed her to taste what life on Tour would be like and gave her an advantage when it came to playing LET Qualifying School for the following season.
“It was extremely beneficial. I really enjoyed the competition and it gave me a taste of what it was like to be around professionals and having to go through a cut,” she said. “It was good having to deal with the pressure and the courses and the higher level of competition.
“I think it’s a great way to rate yourself and a good way to get more experience because you don’t get the same level of pressure or competition in amateur golf.”
Playing on the LETAS circuit, Liebelei played alongside some of the greatest names in women’s golf such as nine-time tournament champion Karen Lunn and the 2008 Portugal Ladies Open winner Anne-Lise Caudal, among others.
“What I wasn’t prepared for was that I would be amongst players that I had admired since I was a little girl. It was something I had to deal with,” said Liebelei, who grew up learning her golf in Luxembourg.
“I think it added more to the experience and got me prepared for what I want to do now.” Following her success at LET Final Qualifying School, where she finished tied for 18th she is now playing alongside her heroines full time on the Ladies European Tour.
“I do believe that going to those three tournaments helped me. I believe it comes with going through it. I became more and more comfortable as it went on.
“Just having to go through the pressure of being around professionals and making the cuts gave me an extra boost of confidence and made me feel like I could do it.”
She also rated the tournament organisation highly. “It was a very professional feel to it with the signs and the officials. It made it feel like a professional tournament and it definitely helped me prepare.”
This season’s LET Access Series will no doubt see another talented crop of youngsters hone their games on the circuit, before progressing onto the increasingly popular Ladies European Tour.
