Saturday October 13, 2012
Salas sizzles with an ace to stay in title contention
HAVING aced her studies to become the first in her family to graduate from college, 22-year-old pro golfer Lizette Salas can now proudly add another ace to her impressive list.
The day had been going terribly wrong for Salas – at the 10th, 11th and 12th holes – in the second round of the Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club (KLGCC) yesterday.
“There is just something about the 10th ... I don’t know. It just doesn’t like me,” said Salas.
“I made a few mistakes on the 10th, 11th and 12th but I was thinking it could have been worse. We couldn’t find my ball on the 12th!
“I hit it to the left rough off the tee, then it hit the big rose bush. We finally found it and I hit it on the green.”
The spunky Latina, who hails from Azusa in Southern California, kept her cool and managed to turn things around with a spectacular hole-in-one at the 15th.
“I’ll take it. It’s only my third hole-in-one – the first on Tour. You don’t get to hear that all too often, a hole-in-one in Malaysia ... so it’s pretty cool. I’m just having fun,” said Salas.
The world No. 140 is currently tied for third with Norway’s Suzann Petersen and Japan’s Mika Miyazato and Momoko Ueda after the second round.
She carded a four-under 67 yesterday for a two-day total of 135.
The spring in Salas’ steps might be due to the new additions to her game – instructor Jim Gromley of Palos Verdes Golf Club and a new set of clubs.
“We made it official a week ago and made a couple of changes, so I was a little anxious coming in ... but I feel good and confident,” she said.
“I’m trying to be patient and know there’s a lot of golf left to be played and not get frustrated. That’s my whole thing these past couple of tournaments, not getting frustrated. I stayed positive and did what I had to do coming down the stretch. And it’s turned out great,” added the 2007 ESPN Athlete of The Year.