Patricia Sanz
Spain’s Patricia Sanz Barrio, currently ranked 2nd on the LET Access Series, won her first event on the Series at the Grecotel Amirandes Ladies Open in Crete. With two tournaments remaining, Sanz has guaranteed her place next year on the Ladies European Tour.
The Madrid native has played in ten tournaments on LETAS this year, six as an amateur and four as a professional, achieving seven top tens, including one win and three second place finishes, with 27th being her worst position. The top five players on the LETAS ranking will earn a place on the Ladies European Tour for the 2014 season.
“Winning in Crete was amazing and surreal. I lost my clubs and they only appeared two days later so I could hardly train. The first day I made mistakes of aggression, the second was a continuous struggle and the third I was more relaxed, ready to test myself. It helped to have Cydney Clanton, one of my best friends, caddying for me. She is a college friend and has her card on the LPGA. There were no scoreboards on the course, only when I three-putted the 18th and found out I was tied with Julia Davidsson and we went out to play-off. On the first hole, Julia missed a putt and on the second play-off, I missed a putt. I told myself here we go, your dream is going to disappear. But deep inside I was relaxed because I knew I had my full card for next year. On the third play-off hole, Julia hit it out of bounds and I won with two putts. Finally! I could not believe it.”
“My goal this year was to gain experience on LETAS to prepare for the LET and if I could achieve my first goal, which was to get my LET card, even better. I was relaxed and I never thought I could do so good. Finishing second in Terre Blanche gave me a lot of confidence, it made me think if I finished second and I keep playing the way I am playing, hopefully I can get my card. It was my first tournament and I lacked experience. In the next two events I couldn’t handle the nerves. In Finland, I was already a professional and I was in the play-off and I thought, let’s go and beat everyone. But I had to learn and I learned a lot and I think past experiences have helped me to win. In recent months I have matured slowly but I know I am still far away”
“My last tournament was the European Amateur Team Championships and I played with my sister Marta in the team: a dream come true. I was waiting for this championship before turning professional and it was the best way to finish my amateur career with a gold medal! I turned pro just before the Open de Espana and missing the cut in Spain really hurt. I was a little bit tired after a few weeks of competition, playing with a lot of pressure. It was my first event as a pro and playing at home. All this affected me a lot.”
“I tried to get my card on the LPGA and I got through the first stage but I didn’t get through the second one by a shot and I was really sad. The last day I was 2 under until the 12th hole and I messed up the last four holes. If it didn’t happen I thought it was because I was not ready yet. With the status I have on the LPGA, I could play on the Symetra Tour but I don’t think I will go. I will focus on the LET where I can play all the tournaments.”
“I wanted to be a professional but it was very clear in my mind before that to finish my studies. I think the most important is to have studied at university because one day you break an arm or a leg, you can’t play anymore. If you dedicate your life to a sport, it is essential to have other options.”
I am very happy because I achieved my goal. I will keep on enjoying the rest of the tournaments. My next goal is to maintain my card on the LET and if possible to get an LPGA card.”
Patricia Sanz (born Madrid, 09.09.1990), picked up his first golf club at age seven. Graduated in Biomedicine (Biomedical Sciences) from the University of Auburn. Enjoys all sports, especially running, paddle and tennis. Influenced by Lorena Ochoa, Azahara Munoz, Tiger Woods and Seve Ballesteros.
LETAS RESULTS AS AN AMATEUR
2nd Terre Blanche Ladies Open, 27th Dinard Ladies Open, 12th Ocho Golf Ladies Open, 10th Kristianstad Åhus Ladies Open, 9th Sölvesborg Ladies Open, 2nd Fourqueux Ladies Open.
LETAS RESULTS AS A PROFESSIONAL
7th Ingarö Ladies Open, 2nd HLR Golf Academy Open, 21st Ladies Norwegian Challenge, Winner Grecotel Amirandes Ladies Open
