Poland’s first female touring golf pro Martyna Mierzwa is one of 119 players teeing up in the season’s first LETAS event in Switzerland this week.
The 24-year-old from Poznan played in six tournaments on LETAS last year, finishing 66th on the 2013 Order of Merit, but is determined to finish in the top five this year and make history by qualifying to become the first Polish member of the LET.
“I’ve practiced a lot and this was the first time I’ve had some time to get ready because I turned pro last year in June after I came back from North Caroline Elon University in the US in May and started playing straight away,” said Mierzwa. “Since December I’ve been preparing physically, mentally and golf-wise, so my hopes are high! I hope I don’t let myself down.
“For now I think this field is really strong because there are many LET players so I would be happy to make the cut or finish top 30.”
There are only two other female professional golfers in Poland, but they are both instructors. Male golfers Max Saluda and Mateusz Jedrzeyczyk are both tour pros, but they play on the Challenge and EPD Tours. So far, none have graduated to the top flight European Tour or LET.
There are 28 golf courses in Poland, but Mierzwa had to move 2.5 hours from her home city to Wroclaw in order to play, at Toya Golf and Country Club.
“There have been more and more players but definitely not many female players. I’ve won the past five Polish championships but I have never had competition. I’ve always played with guys: always. We have a professional tour in Poland and they let me play from ladies’ tees.”
Mierzwa won her first ever pro golf event at the Sierra PGA Trophy in June 2013 playing against the men and now hopes to improve on her LETAS career best finish of fourth at the Azores Ladies Open last year.
“It’s fun to finally have female competitors to play against. I love the LETAS… but I would like to go higher!” she says, with a smile.
