Cassidy takes on world’s best
Chantelle Cassidy’s golf career is in full swing after being invited to compete alongside the world’s elite women professional golfers in the 2015 Ladies World Championship.
The event will be played at Mission Hills Golf Club in China from March 9 till 15.
As the world championship event is held at the same time as the Australian Riversdale Cup tournament, Tokoroa- born Cassidy has had to turn down the opportunity to represent her country in favour of this international event.
The Cambridge Golf Club member said she was thrilled to have received the invitation because it gave her the opportunity to assess her own golfing ability.
‘‘It’s not only the opportunity to gain valuable experience, it’s playing with some of the world’s best women professional golfers.
‘‘It’s my ambition to join the professional circuit at some time in the near future.’’
Cassidy is part of a five-woman squad which is part of the New Zealand Golf High Performance Academy.
Although the 22-year-old had been working part time, her national and international playing programme along with her practise and training over the past six months had been difficult financially.
It was only the extra funding she had received from donations that had allowed her to compete in tournaments such as this.
Under the rules of amateur golf a player can only receive donations and scholarships, they cannot receive any form of sponsorship.
‘‘I’m extremely grateful for the donations and support I have received so far,’’ she said.
The next few events Cassidy is attending are self-funded, including the trip to China, the New Zealand Open in Christchurch and numerous Australian events. She is hoping to get further donations.
Anyone wishing to make a donation can contact Cassidy’s manager Garry Thomas on 021 116 6455.