Evian Masters Q & A with Lee-Anne and Ashleigh

The Evian Masters presented by Société Générale turns 18 this year and there will be lots to celebrate as the international women’s golf showcase event gets underway from Thursday.

Bringing together 111 of the world’s finest female professionals and with a purse of €2,437,500 (US $3,250,000), this is one of the crown jewels on the women’s golfing calendar.

Bethan Cutler caught up with the South African contingent of Lee-Anne Pace and Asleigh Simon who are both playing their second Evian Masters:

Describe your feelings returning to Evian.

Lee-Anne: I love the Evian. I think everyone does. I really like playing the golf course and it is certainly a beautiful place.

Ashleigh: I'm extremely excited to be returning to Evian, I really like the golf course

Why is the Evian Masters special?

Lee-Anne: It is set in a beautiful place. It seems like it is the "fun" unofficial major of the year. People are more relaxed and the atmosphere is great.

Ashleigh: I think the setting makes The Evian Masters a special event because it's  just so beautiful as well as how well the players get treated during the week, and the activities and functions the sponsors put on for us.

How important is the Evian Masters to the European Tour players?

Lee-Anne: Extremely important. It is great for our world ranking and also for the Henderson ranking. It could make a big difference.

Ashleigh: It's huge for the Ladies European Tour players who get to participate in the event. Firstly we need to have won a tournament to play in the event, as well as we get to compete against the best players in the world and play for a good purse.

How does the event rate on the overall LET schedule?

Lee-Anne: It's our best tournament of the year, but not a lot of LET players get to play in it as the criteria is quite tough.

Ashleigh: I would say it's the best event to play in the whole year.

Who of your friends, family and team are you bringing to Evian?

Lee-Anne: Unfortunately, no one.

Ashleigh: It will just be myself and caddy/boyfriend David.

What are you most looking forward to about the event?

Lee-Anne: The golf.

Ashleigh: I know it sounds cliché but just being there for the week and competing

How will you be preparing?

Lee-Anne: The same as any other tournament. I work on the things that I think are important for the week, for instance putting and driving.

Ashleigh: I have been home in South Africa for three weeks preparing and working with my coach and biokinetisist.

What are you working on in particular?

Lee-Anne: I am trying to create more space for myself and it allows me to hit the ball straighter and further.

Ashleigh: Nothing particular just working on sharpening up all parts of my game.

How do you assess your season so far?

Lee-Anne: It’s been fairly good. I came close to winning in Switzerland and have started playing really well. I am looking forward to the bigger events and hopefully a good end to the year.

Ashleigh: I feel I had a steady start to the season then the win was great. After that was very inconsistent but played well in my last tournament so feeling much better about the rest of season ahead.

What are your hopes and expectations for the tournament?

Lee-Anne: Of course I would like to win, but if not I would like to finish top 10.

Ashleigh: Obviously you go into every event trying to win it so that would be the ultimate goal but to just play relaxed and free golf.