10
Things you didn’t know about ASHLEIGH SIMON
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| Pic by Rogan Ward |
Q:
Star sign?
A: Taurus
Q:
My nickname is...
A: Smashley or Ashes
Q:
My favourite boardgame is?
A: 30 Seconds
Q:
If I hadn’t become a pro-golfer, I would probably be...
A: I have absolutely no idea!
Q:
Do you have any phobias?
A: Yes, Heights!
Q:
Do you have any pets?
A: I have two miniature Maltese Poodles.
Q:
Can you multi-task?
A:
Yes, just a little though!
Q:
Have you ever sung at a Karaoke venue?
A: Yes
Q:
Do you prefer texting or calling?
A: Texting
Q:
High heels or trainers?
A: Trainers |
| Pic from www.ladieseuropeantou.com |
90
Seconds with ASHLEIGH SIMON
Who/What
motivates you?
I motivate myself but also draw motivation from my coach, my
boyfriend and family. The desire to perfect my craft also serves as a constant motivator.
What
sporting code do you most enjoy watching on telly?
Golf and rugby.
What
is your favourite food?
Fillet steak
What
is the nicest/best part of being on tour?
Being able to do what I love most for a living and also meeting
people of various cultures, backgrounds, nationalities, etc. across the globe.
Which
is your best/most successful competition/tournament venue?
It’s really difficult to narrow down but if I had to choose I
would say there are four highlights that really stand out – my first SA Amateur
win at the Strand when I was 14-years old; winning the World Amateur Team
Championships in South Africa and my two LET wins in Spain and Portugal.
Who
or what do you miss most while on Tour?
Typical home comforts – my bed, family and my dogs.
Which
golfer is the personification of dedication and sacrifice?
Ernie Els
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| Pic from www.thegolfvillage.co.za |
SACRIFICES & DEDICATION
IN THE WORLD OF PROFESSIONAL GOLF:
As far back as she can remember, Ashleigh Simon
has always wanted become a professional golfer but, unlike many who made the
transition from amateur to professional ranks, she was fully prepared to make
any sacrifices required to make her dream a reality. Ashleigh Simon shares her journey, that entailed unreserved dedication,
unflinching passion and numerous sacrifices, from the time she teed off as an
amateur in South Africa to become a leading and successful competitor on the
LPGA and Ladies European
Tour.
From
a young age, Ashleigh Simon stood out among her primary school friends because
unlike the many who talked about becoming teachers, doctors, lawyers or
astronauts, she had already made up her mind that her future lay in
professional golf, travelling extensively and plying her trade on the best
courses across the globe. A few years later, she went on to become an amateur
golfer and a successful one at that.
“It
wasn’t a difficult decision to make because I’ve always wanted to play golf.
Luckily I had a wonderful support system, solid support and encouragement from
my parents and my younger sister who also had to make many sacrifices to help
me achieve my goals and realise my dreams.”
Her
love for the sport was clear to see as was her positive attitude combined with
her hard-working and determined nature which meant that she never really felt
the impact of the sacrifices she has made along the way.
“All
I knew was that I wanted to play golf and that I was prepared to give up
certain luxuries or basic social activities just so that I could achieve my
goals quicker.”
The
hard work paid off as “Ashes” took the amateur circuit by storm, en route to
becoming the youngest player to win the Ladies’ South African Amateur Stroke
Play and Match Play double and the first player in 101 years to win the Ladies
South African Open titles three times. And, she flew the South African flag
high as an amateur competing in the mostly-professional Women’s World Cup of
Golf three times.
Simon
celebrated her 18th Birthday the way she had dreamed by officially
becoming a Professional Golfer on 11 May 2007.
“That
was one of the best moments in my life, a milestone I had dreamed of achieving
since I was 11 years old and I made it happen. It was such an awesome feeling.”
One
of the keys to her success as an amateur was her ability to maintain a healthy
and balanced lifestyle.
“When
you first start off, it is very much about adjusting your mind-set and focusing
on your goals and if you mould yourself in that way then you can have
the best of both worlds. Seven years after turning pro I’m happy to say that
when I’m on tour I’m completely focused on golf but when I have time off or get
some time to go home, then I completely switch off and take a break from
‘work’. I’m also extremely lucky because my boyfriend caddies for me and I have
very understanding and supportive friends, which makes life a lot easier
especially when you miss out on special occasions and day-to-day events.”
Professional
golf is hard work and often tests your mental strength and dedication, which is
why “Smashley” says it’s imperative to never give up!
“You
have to grind it out, constantly work hard to better yourself and your game and
keep at it even when results are not going your way. When I encounter setbacks,
I remind myself of all my accomplishments, believe in myself and my talent and
then I work on whatever obstacle it is that I’m facing, with my coach.”
Simon
lists patience, dedication and self-belief as her best traits and the core
ingredients in the recipe of her successful career on the pro circuit.
“It
can be quite challenging when you’re facing obstacles or results aren’t going
your way but honestly, there’s no better feeling than being rewarded for all
your hard work and sacrifices. Looking back, I vividly remember my first
professional win on the Ladies European Tour (LET) and when I got my LPGA Tour
Card last year through Q’School just months after I had hip surgery.”
SA’s
superstar golfer has big plans for the next five years in her professional and
personal life.
“I
see myself happily married and playing on the LPGA Tour when I turn 30, with a
win under my belt.”
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| Pic from www.supersport.com |
San Lameer Country Club:
Have you played at the San Lameer Country Club
before?
No I haven’t but I have seen the course
and have been made aware of the tricky layout.
What do you feel will be the most challenging part of
competing at the San Lameer Country Club?
I think the weather, particularly the wind,
could be a factor that would require more patience than usual, but if you go in
with a good game plan then you should be able to cope with external elements or
factors beyond your control.
What do you like and dislike most about this venue?
I’ve heard nothing but positive reviews
and comments about the course so I’m really looking forward to playing at San
Lameer as I’m sure all the ladies are!
What are your expectations/targets for the Cell C SA
Women's Open?
To complete a hat trick of wins at the SA Women’s Open.Q&A by Renelle Naidoo
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