Getting to play at your home course at a professional tournament is a rare treat for any professional golfer.
However, Slovakia’s Michaela Vavrova now gets to do it twice as she gets ready for the second edition of the Ladies Slovak Golf Open on the LET Access Series (LETAS).
In last year’s edition of the event, Vavrova had a steady start to the tournament with two rounds of 73 but on final day she found her game to card a 67 and finish tied second alongside New Zealand’s Wenyung Keh.
Speaking ahead of this week, Vavrova said: “I’m super excited to play in front of my family and friends and to just be at home. I love this place. I have always loved it. The energy here is different and I just love the views and the greenery all around you.
“Playing at home does come with pressure. Last year there was pressure too as I didn’t have a full LETAS card and I think I handled it well. However, I love the people here and it’s amazing that everyone here is cheering for me.”
The LET used to host a tournament in Slovakia at Grey Bear, Tále but hasn’t done so since 2014. Consequently, Vavrova joined the club as a 15-year-old just after the tournament finished.
“If someone had told me 10 years ago when I first came to this course, that I would be playing 10 years later at a professional tournament here I wouldn’t believe it.
“When I was 15, I had a crisis with golf and thought this sport isn’t for me. I’ve come a long way.
“I would tell younger me to push through the hard days and just enjoy everything that comes with it because golf is an amazing way to meet people. People are my energy. I need lots of people around me and I feel like even on the bad days when I don’t feel great, I get the chance to travel with friends and have fun on the range.”
Vavrova currently sits 22nd on the LETAS Order of Merit after 10 events. The 24-year-old comes into this event with recent good form having secured two consecutive top 10 finishes at her last two events played. Another good week could see her climb the rankings.
“The first half of this season I was frozen. I don’t know if it was coming out of the winter or just the pressure of being pro and trying to play my best but then the second half of the season, I eased myself in and was more relaxed.
“I started to feel more comfortable around the Tour and it’s great to have my friends and travel.”
Playing at home has its advantages and for Vavrova she is enjoying having her team members around her.
“I’m excited to have two caddies this week; I have our national coach for the first day and then my swing coach for the last two days. It’s going to be fun.”
The second edition of the Ladies Slovak Golf Open will be held at TALE Ski Golf and Hotel Resort between 13-15 August.
For more information on the LET Access Series, visit letaccess.com and follow @LETAccess on Facebook, Instagram and X – #Access2LET.
