Bedford’s Luca Thompson says she “will compete for a win in the future” after an excellent showing on her Ladies European Tour debut in the NSW Open at Wollongong Golf Club in New South Wales, Australia.
Thompson, who turned professional after qualifying for the Ladies European Tour following the final Q-School event in Morocco, shot four rounds of 67, 74, 70 and 74, ensuring she takes home a pay cheque in her first ever professional event.
Thompson, who has grown up playing the game at Pavenham Park Golf Club, eventually finished the NSW Open tied 56th on one over par.
Read: Luca Thompson wins Ladies European Tour card after Q-School success in Morocco
“It’s been an extremely motivating week with so many pinch me moments”, said Luca, speaking to Bedford Independent from New South Wales in Australia.
“The first round where I finished on four under, and tied for third place will always stay in my memories.
“I made nine birdies and could’ve had more, and to be able to say I did that in my first round competing as a professional on the highest stage is something I’m very proud of.
“My game was off for the remaining rounds, so as much as it was disappointing I was glad to learn from them and keep resilient.”
Thompson overcomes unwanted obstacles
Luca’s first round exploits were made all the more impressive given the unexpected hurdles thrown in her way before the beginning of the competition.
Wollongong Golf Club was hit by a deluge of rain in the first round, causing delays across the board, but even then the late shuttle buses taking the players from their accommodation to the course were late, causing Luca’s group to miss their tee time.
This led to all of them getting an unwanted two-shot penalty before they’d even started.
That penalty was removed following a post-round appeal, but Thompson managed to put all of that behind her to post a brilliant first round of 67 – including nine birdies – eventually putting her third on the leaderboard after the first day.
“Overall it was a superb experience with crowds watching, TV cameras and live scoreboards.
“I realise playing with some of the pro golfers that I have watched and looked up to, that I am definitely ready for pro golf and will compete for a win sometime in the future”, said Luca.
Luca and Woody look forward
The experience was made all the more special with the addition of Luca’s brother, Woody as her caddy.
“It was a joy to have my brother Woody with me as a caddy. We are super close and he’s always a calming influence and has a quick wit humour which helps elevate stressful situations on the course!” added Luca.
Luca’s time in Australia is not over, with two more events on the horizon.
Qualification for the Australian Open is next up, as Thompson guns for a place on one of the more lucrative European Tour events, with the showpiece in Adelaide garnering a total prize pot of AU$1,700,000.
The Australian WPGA Championship follows, beginning on 19 March at Sanctuary Cove Golf and Country Club on the Gold Coast.
The Ladies European Tour continues all the way through to November 2026, with events in South Africa, USA and Mauritius in the spring before the Tour returns to its traditional heartland across mainland Europe throughout the summer and into the autumn.
