Veronica Zorzi calls time on her long career

Veronica Zorzi has called time on her long career, becoming the third professional golfer after the great Annika Sorenstam and Denmark’s Iben Tinning who opted to make the Omega Dubai Ladies Classic their swansong.

The 37-year-old from Italy, who won back-to-back French Open titles at Le Golf D’Arras in 2005 and 2006, the former being her best season in a professional career spanning nearly 15 years when she finished third on the Ladies European Tour Order of Merit.

She may have missed on making it to the weekend on Thursday, but can look back on fond memories of Emirates Golf Club where she finished runner-up to Anja Monke in Dubai in 2008, her best result in the season-ending Ladies European Tour event in 10 outings.

“I decided to play my last tournament in Dubai because it’s a big event and the last one on the calendar. I have a lots of good memories here. I also like the course.

“I’m feeling a bit sad because it’s been almost 15 years on Tour, so it’s a big part of my life. When I was walking on the course today, I was just thinking all the time that I come here, you know, the memories that I have.

“It’s not an easy life for a woman because we have to travel a lot and stuff like that. But I think I was very lucky to be on Tour for so many years. I’m happy in what I did in my career.”

The Verona native, who turned professional in 2000, now plans to give back to the next generation.

“I have a job coaching in a golf club which is half an hour from my home, at Villa Paradiso in Peschiera del Garda, near Lake Garda,” she said.

“I have the kids club to take care of, teaching kids. We have an academy and I’m involved with that. I have a group between 8-11 years old. My son, Ettore, was born on November 10, 2015 and he is also keeping me busy.

“Now I want to try to give all my experience to young people and try to grow golf in Italy because it is still quite a low participation rate. I hope to train somebody to become a great player in the future.”

Zorzi cited her two victories and participation in team events such as the Women’s World Cup of Golf and European Nations Cup amongst her fondest memories.