Louise Duncan admits she feels relieved to be playing on the Ladies European Tour this season, after a remarkable comeback at Q-School in La Manga.
The former University of Stirling golfer fought back from the brink of elimination in December to secure one of the spots up for grabs for those who finished within the top 20 and ties.
Duncan, who finished tied for 19th in last year’s AIG Women’s Open at Muirfield, told The Scotsman: “It was a nervy last few holes, and it’s been a long few weeks, so I am very happy for it to be over now.”
After securing her LET card with an unlikely birdie on the 90th and final hole of qualifying, the West Kilbride golfer described earning playing rights as “a little bit of relief.”
Having left a 20-yard bunker shot, Duncan needed to get up and down for birdie to secure a first full season on tour and did so.
But, more impressive was the resolve she showed to bounce back after being 13 over par after two rounds of pre-qualifying.
A spot in final qualifying was then earned after a two-under-par third round and a five-under-par final round.
Duncan, set for a season on the paid ranks, insisted there are parts of her game in need of improvement but is looking forward to the challenge.
She told The National: “My short game and putting are nowhere near the standard they should be but targeting those weaknesses gives me a focus over the winter.
“It’s exciting knowing there is more to come from my game. I know what I’m capable of and I’ll go on tour with great belief.”
The 22-year-old’s caddie, Dean Robertson, is expecting big things from his mentee as he follows her journey onto the Ladies European Tour.
Robertson, who won the Italian Open during his playing career, believes Duncan is destined for the top.
He told The Scotsman: “By earning her tour card, she now has the platform to kick on and develop in a couple of key areas, which, when she does, could see her not only become a leading player in Europe but make a name for herself on a world stage.
“Louise has proven that the bigger the pressure, the better she plays, and in top-level golf to be able to embrace those feelings and be at one’s best is massive.
“You either have that or you don’t.
“Her LET card is now the opportunity to learn to put herself in contention and become a champion golfer.”
Featured Image Credit: University of Stirling
