Na, Soo flying Aussie flag in Symetra return

Following a four-month break, the 2020 Symetra Tour, the feeder Tour for the LPGA, finally gets underway again tonight at the FireKeepers Casino Hotel Championship in Michigan from July 24-26.

Victorian rookie Julienne Soo, who was a star amateur at Oklahoma University, will join the seasoned 31-year-old Stephanie Na as the only two Aussies teeing it up this week at the Battle Creek Country Club.

Julienne Soo (Credit: @juliennesoo)

Both players have spent the last four months waiting out the COVID-19 shutdown in the US following the Women’s NSW Open in late February.

The pair headed to the US to play the opening tournament of the 2020 Symetra Tour season at the Florida’s Natural Charity Classic before the pandemic forced the schedule into an extended hiatus.

While it would have been easy to sit back and enjoy the break, Na has used the time to work on all facets of her game.

“I’ve been committed to keeping up my fitness, eating well and staying healthy, which is always a little easier to do when you are located in one spot for an extended period of time. I’ve been extremely lucky to have had access to golf the entire time,” said the South Australian.

“I’ve been practicing a few days a week and playing the weekends, trying to keep the weekly routine somewhat regular to a tournament week.”

“I’m really excited to get back competing again, especially as we’re playing Battle Creek CC – I really like the course, so that’s a bonus.”

“I’m just so keen to get back onto tournament mode; feel some nerves, see my tour mates and really see where my game is at on the competitive level. Although, I’d be lying if I said I’m not nervous about travelling in regards to COVID-19.”