Spain has a special place in Mexico’s Alejandra Llaneza’s heart after she clinched her first LETAS victory here almost two months ago at the Santander Golf Tour-Avila.
On the final day, the 36-year-old jumped 20 places up the leaderboard after carding a phenomenal round of 64(-8) to find herself in a three way play off.
A birdie on the 18th was all it took for the Mexican to clinch the trophy and make a successful comeback after quitting tournament golf for the past two years.
Now the 37-year-old is excited to compete at this week’s Islantilla Open, a long-awaited tournament on the schedule for many players.
“I have been very excited. I love playing in Spain. Obviously, it has a special place in my heart after Avila but I just love being in Spain.
“It’s a big week. I think all the players have been looking forward to it. I got to play the course earlier this morning and see some of the strategy. I think it’s going to require a lot of strategy, especially off the tee.
“I think it’s going to be a good challenge. Also, the heat is going to be a factor.”
After winning her second tournament of the season, Llaneza missed three cuts in a row but last week showed she’s fighting back by finishing tied 16th.
Llaneza currently sits 11th on the Order of Merit after six events with 580.00 points.
Speaking about the events after Avila, Llaneza said: “It was tough. I think some of the courses were very challenging. It’s my first year playing in Europe, so I’m still kind of getting the hang of it and all the travel and the logistics.
“So, it’s been a big learning experience of knowing how to play over here and how to manage my preparation and everything. It’s been I think an adjustment period but I’m feeling more settled and ready for this week.”
Llaneza was an LPGA member from 2013 to 2017 and competed at the 2016 Rio Olympics for Mexico.
She’s excited to see this week’s tournament increasing the standard for prize funds in Europe
“It shows that the game is growing and for us this event is like our major. I think we’re all excited about it.
“We are very grateful that we have, a big tournament this week as far as the prize fund goes and the hospitality.”
Llaneza tees it up at 14:00 local time alongside Germany’s Hannah Karg and Norway’s Madelene Stavnar.
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