Eaton looking forward to giving Lameer another go

DURBAN: The SA Women’s Open tees off this morning, and all eyes will be on whether Lee-Anne Pace can complete an unprecedented hat-trick of national victories.

The South Coast has become a familiar host for the Women’s Open and the tricky San Lameer layout is again expected to be the scene of some drama come Saturday, with its rash of water holes on the finishing stretch.

One player quite familiar with the layout is Melissa Eaton, who has had a terrific summer, showing the form that suggests she could be a threat on very familiar terrain.

“I’m a lot more relaxed, I’m hitting the ball with more freedom and having fun again,” she said.

“I didn’t have the time to prepare for the SA Women’s Masters, and I felt out of sorts all week, but still managed to finish inside the top 20. This week I’m looking forward to giving San Lameer another go.”

Eaton’s twin sister, Nicola (Gutzeit), will not be participating though, as she is still focusing on her new family.

Eaton knows that she could have a very special week, on a patch of green that is very close to her heart.

“I’ve always put too much pressure on myself and I’ve never put three great rounds together here at San Lameer, but I’m taking this new attitude out there, and who knows, anything is possible,” Eaton said.

But she also knows there will be plenty of exceptional talent on the prowl.