Slovakia’s Anika Bolčíková is facing a big challenge, before she sets one foot on the golf course, to finance her first full season on LETAS.
Unlike programmes like Full Swing would suggest, the life of a professional golfer is not private jets and big purses.
For newly professional golfers just starting out, finances can hold them back and for Bolčíková being the only active Slovak woman playing on the European circuit, is tough.
Bolčíková proved she belonged on tour at this year’s Lalla Aicha Qualifying School Pre-Qualifiers where she finished T-4th but her inexperience at playing multiple rounds of golf meant she struggled to repeat the performance at final stage.
Speaking about her Q School experience, Bolčíková said: “The first week of Q School was great, my biggest support was my mentor and coach, David Golc who caddied for me.
“Rotana course was very friendly; a lot of holes were scorable. It suited my game.
“Final week was tough, it was a lot of days playing golf, more than I am used to. Last year was about trying to get onto tournaments, so it was hard for me to compete a lot of days in a row. To have to do it for the first time was mentally hard.”
Now the 25-year-old has earnt full LETAS membership for the 2024 season and is working behind the scenes to find sponsors and crowd fund for her LET card campaign.
Being the only active female professional from her country is tough and Bolčíková admits it can be lonely on tour.
Yet the Slovak golfer was awarded for her hard work after winning Performance of the Year at Slovakia’s Golfer of the Year 2023 awards.
“I sometimes feel so lonely. Unlike other players I don’t have any national programme for professional players.
“A lot of professional golfers in Slovakia are coaches. I already finished my education for being a professional coach.
“But I’m reluctant to give up my dream on playing on tour. I should try even if there is a 1 percent chance that I can play.
“I have a power inside me, and it needs to be seen.”
Golf remains a small sport in Slovakia with only about 10 full 18-hole golf courses and Bolčiková’s pathway into the sport was unique.
“I got into the sport as my classmate’s mother was opening a golf academy next to my town, Martin.
I was invited to be one of the children who hit the first drive at the opening ceremony.
“After that my school cooperated with the academy and I was hooked from there.
“I did a lot of sports growing up, athletics, gymnastics, horse riding and even ballroom dancing. But when I touched the golf club and hit the ball, I just fell in love with the sport.”
Bolčiková admits that whilst sharing a name with Anika Sorenstam was an accident, she sees it as a sign to pursue her dreams.
“I am a big fan of Anika Sorenstam. We share a name.
“My parents didn’t know that because they picked it from a child book because it was an interesting name. It is a popular name in Sweden but not in Slovakia.
“I didn’t know any Anika near to me, so I felt I was different. Then with golf I found the feeling that I belonged somewhere. It was cool.
“I remember that I used to spend a lot of time drawing pictures of me playing golf and winning. I want those pictures to come true.”
Bolčiková who is currently studying Physical Education and Strength and Conditioning is excited to tee it up in France at the Terre Blanche Ladies Open.
“I’m excited for France, so far as a professional I have missed the opportunity to play where I belong.”
If you have been inspired by Bolčiková’s dogged determination, she would appreciate any small or big donations to her crowdfunding campaign.
