George, South Africa

Pace celebrates success at Gary Player Invitational


It is a measure of Lee-Anne Pace’s success this season that the South African takes her place as one of the biggest stars in this week’s Gary Player Invitational, presented by Coca-Cola, at The Links at Fancourt.

The five-time winner on the Ladies European Tour (LET) this year, who is also seeking to become the first South African to win the tour’s money list, is delighted to be back home at the end of a memorable season, and as a member of an illustrious field by invitation of Gary Player himself.

“It’s good to be back home, especially in this area. My whole family is here and they’ll all be coming to watch. It’s been an incredible year. I’m still busy processing everything. But it’s quite nice to be home and take it all in,” Pace said on Thursday.

Pace joins a field highlighted by Retief Goosen and Sergio Garcia, Champions Tour stars Player, John Cook, Mark McNulty and John Bland, celebrities such as football greats Lucas Radebe and Dwight Yorke, former All Black Zinzan Brooke and cricket legends Brian Lara and Shaun Pollock, as well as a selection of high profile business leaders. Pollock was one of the three last entrants in the field, joining Dr Andrew Golding, Chief Executive of the Pam Golding Property Group, and European Senior Tour campaigner Bertus Smit.

“I’ve heard so much about this tournament and everyone has said it’s great, so it’s definitely something I wanted to be a part of and I’m glad to be here. Gary is an amazing person. He’s set a high standard for all of us and I’m looking forward to the week with him,” said Pace.

While focused on playing her part in the tournament’s cause to raise funds for underprivileged children, Pace is also looking forward to a relaxing week as she prepares for what looks to be a dramatic finish to the LET season.

With one tournament left, Pace is fighting off a strong charge from Laura Davies for the money list title, and is roughly €33 000 ahead of the Englishwoman.

It had left Pace with a difficult decision to make in either playing in the final tournament of the season or attending the LPGA Tour’s Qualifying School at the same time.

“I’ve made my decision, and it’s important that I go for the money list title,” she said.

A number of the participants enjoyed a practice round on The Links on Thursday, and Player also expressed his satisfaction with the condition of the course.

“The course is in the best condition I’ve ever seen it. It’s immaculate.”




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