Cheyenne Woods determined to emerge from Tiger’s shadow

Cheyenne Woods of the USA plays her tee shot at the par 4, 13^th hole during the second round of the 69^th US Women’s Open. — Getty Images

Dubai — Cheyenne Woods believes her attainment of an LPGA card through Q School on Sunday is proof positive that she is finally breaking away from uncle Tiger’s shadow and establishing herself in her own right.

As the niece of a 14-time major winner, Woods has understandably received a lot of attention and scrutiny since turning professional and making her debut at the LPGA Championship two years ago.

However, Woods’ career hasn’t exactly been fast-tracked on account of nepotism or her relatives.

The Phoenix resident, 24, finished 78^th on the Ladies European Tour’s (LET’s) ISPS Handa Order of Merit in 2013 and only achieved her first tournament victory (at the Volvik RACV Ladies Masters in Australia) on a major tour in February.

Her tied-for-11^th-place finish at the final LPGA Q School for Category 12 membership now though means she can play in most of the events in America and Europe and can carve out a career path entirely by — and for — herself.

“It’s just really exciting to have played well and earned my LPGA card. My goal all year was definitely to get my LPGA card,” explained Woods, who failed to qualify from LPGA Q School in 2012 and 2013.

“It has been a long road to get there, with one year on the European Tour and one year on the Symetra Tour. I’ve definitely worked hard and gone through every stage possible to get there.

“It’s a little bit of a validation just to know that I’ve earned my stripes to get there. It has been a long road, but it feels good to have finally achieved that.

“I knew that eventually I would make it to the LPGA. It was just a matter of what it took to get there.

“Throughout my whole career, I’ve always just tried to stay patient and — with timing and hard work — everything will come in the end. That’s my take on it.

“It’s my second year as a pro and it’s had a lot of ups and downs. From that, I’ve just learned patience and that you cannot ever give up and you always have to believe in the end goal. That’s what I’ve always tried to do.

“I never compare myself to Tiger or what he’s done. I don’t feel like I have to validate anything for anybody. I’m just trying to accomplish my goals and have my own career.

“This is what I’ve always wanted to do since I was five years old, so I don’t really think about what others expect of me and just what I expect of myself.”

Cheyenne feels there are not many, if any, similarities between her and Tiger aside from a striking resemblance in their facial features.

“I know a lot of people say we look alike,” she conceded. “Our demeanours though might be a little different; he’s very focused and more intense, whereas I’m more laid back. I’m still focused, but I’m very laid back and just chill.”

They do though sound almost identical with what they have to say for themselves in Press conferences and clearly share the same outlook on the global game of golf.

“My goals are to have a successful career on the LPGA, to be a champion and to be the number one in the world,” Cheyenne added.

“That’s what people come out here to do. You don’t come out here to play for second place. No one wants to play to be second.”

alex@khaleejtimes.com