Michele Thomson gains promotion to 2017 Ladies European Tour

Left to right: Sarah Schober (Austria), Jenny Haglund (Sweden), Michele Thomson (Scotland) and Sanna Nuutinen (Finland)

Michele Thomson from Ellon is one of the top five LETAS players who gained promotion to the 2017 Ladies European Tour.
The final event of the 2016 LET Access Series season, the Santander Golf Tour LETAS La Peñaza, produced the 11th first time winner of the 15 event schedule and also decided the top five players, who will progress directly to the Ladies European Tour for the 2017 season.
The LET Access Series graduates are, in qualifying order: Sarah Schober from Austria (1), Jenny Haglund of Sweden (2), Maria Parra from Spain (3), Michele Thomson of Scotland (4) and Sanna Nuutinen from Finland (5).

Interview by Colin Farquharson

Michele Thomson, a former Scottish women's amateur champion and a Curtis Cup player in 2008, enjoyed a solid season and a crucial tied fourth place at the final event in Spain, to move up from sixth place and secure her place in fourth on the order of merit.
She said: “In 2015, I started great with a win in Spain but then for some reason my form dipped and towards the end I did not play well and finished 7th on the Order of Merit, so this year we analysed why this was and made some changes, which prolonged my season and allowed me to finish much stronger with a 3rd place at Stoke by Nayland and 4th in Zaragoza. Ultimately, that enabled me to finish 4th on the Order of Merit.”
“What also helped was having Dad on the bag in the last two events. He knows my strengths and weaknesses and although I probably don't give him the credit he deserves, he certainly helps me by reminding me now and again what I should be concentrating on and when.
"Family members on the bag are not always a good combination but it works for us most of the time and it’s nice to chill out with him in the evenings and have a laugh.”
“This year on LETAS has passed so quickly, travelling all over Europe with my best friend Kiran Matharu has been fun. I missed her mid-season when she took some time off and I hoping she does well at Tour School so we can share next year on tour.
"Kiran is currently playing really well again and I know she is more than good enough to make the grade, I will be supporting her from my armchair with my feet up.”
“Visiting the many places around Europe was great, catching up with friends from last year in the pro-ams was also great fun but most of all I enjoyed meeting all the other competitors at each event.
"We are all very close and the messages of support I have had from them all has been amazing. I have shared laughter and tears with many of them this last year. I will hopefully manage to come back and play in a few LETAS events next year when the schedules are announced.”
“I have long believed that my best opportunity for a full card was through LETAS, as my form tends to be consistent through the season rather than having top form at Tour School.
"One of the courses at Tour School does not quite suit my game and I always seem to find it a bit of a struggle. I feel for all the girls heading back there this year, it’s not a nice experience unless you finish in the top 30 that is.”
“Between now and January I will be spending in the gym and on the range with my coach Neil Marr at Meldrum House. The clubs are due for a change so refitting is just around the corner but really it will be fine tuning everything so I am ready to go come the start of the season.”
“Depending on the schedule I might consider Australia in January. I really enjoyed my time there a couple of years back and it would be nice to catch up with the girls on the ALPG tour again. I have family in Sydney so it’s not a bad base to have during the winter.
"I also need to find some sponsorship to allow me to play a full season on tour, so the begging bowl is already out. There are so many people and businesses that we need to thank for their support as without them many would not be able to do what I consider the best job in the world.”