Rookie event returns to La Sella

Lat year's class

28th November 2016:

For the third consecutive year, the Ladies European Tour’s Rookie Orientation Days will take place at the impressive Dénia Marriott La Sella Golf Resort and Spa just outside Alicante in 2017.

Those who earn their LET Membership for the first time either through the Lalla Aicha Tour School or LET Access Series will be able to travel to Spain from Wednesday 18th – Saturday 21st January for an organised programme of workshops and education sessions.

According to the LET’s Director of Development and Membership Mike Round: “The Rookie Orientation Days were introduced in 2015 to ensure that those joining the LET are made to feel welcome. The days have become an important part of the LET’s calendar both for the players and the organisation. They provide a perfect opportunity for the LET to provide advice and for the players to build new friendships.”

La Sella Resort

Commenting specifically on the venue, he said: “La Sella is a first class resort with excellent facilities. It’s an ideal venue for our Rookie Orientation Days and we’re looking forward to returning again in January.”

During the event, the Rookies will be briefed about the LET’s ‘More Than a Tour’ strategy and will be given useful advice about playing in tournaments and their responsibilities as professional sportswomen.

Marta Figueras-Dotti, former British Women’s Open Champion and 2017 Solheim Cup Vice Captain, has once again agreed to speak to the Rookies at the Welcome Dinner and, in return for La Sella’s generous support for the Rookie Orientation Days, the new LET members will take part in a Pro-Am which will involve members from the club and local sponsors.

Mara Bañó from La Sella said: “We are pleased that our relationship with the LET will continue in 2017 and we’re delighted to be able to assist the LET Rookies as they embark on their careers as Touring Professionals.” She added: “Playing with talented young female Professionals from around the world in the Pro-Am is a tremendous experience for our members.”

Anne Van Dam, who attended the Rookie Orientation Days in 2015, spoke of how the days helped her make the transition from amateur to professional golf saying: “It was very good getting to know people so you already have that covered for your first event. I made some friends for life during the orientation. And it was also good getting all the info you need to feel prepared when you get on tour. In the beginning it's hard to figure everything out but with the help at the orientation and after a few events you are all good to go.”

One of the 2016 Rookies, Leticia Ras-Anderica echoed Anne’s comments saying; “Joining the LET was a major change in my life and I felt like I had jumped into the deep end with no lifejacket. The rookie orientation was vital in introducing me to the LET organisation and how things work, so that what before seemed quite daunting, later became merely very exciting. Meeting the LET staff personally and learning the basics of day to day life in tournaments, from entry regulations to travelling tips was a great help to starting off on the right foot and helped me avoid pitfalls. Meeting the other rookies also helped create the camaraderie that is a great part of being on the Tour.” Leticia concluded: “I can only congratulate the LET for the good work in helping new members achieve a smooth transition into the world of professional golf.”