When Maria Laura Elvira turned professional in 2007, some of her peers on the LET Access Series (LETAS) had not yet picked up a golf club.
The 48-year-old Argentine golfer, who is also a TV host and commentator for Golf Channel Latin America, is not fazed by the age comparisons as she prepares to tee it up at this week’s Pitch 15 Open in Hertfordshire, England as an invite.
“My motivation to be here on Tour might be a little bit different from everyone else,” she said. “This is no longer my main job. I’m trying just to fit in a few events if my calendar allows it. I still like playing… being active and competitive again would be a plus, a bonus.
“I’m gonna be almost 50. It’s a great opportunity to be able to measure my game against younger players, most of them I even double or triple their age. I’m more supporting the game and everything that has to do with women’s golf.”
During her heyday, Elvira competed on the LPGA Tour alongside the likes of Michelle Wie, Christina Kim and Lorena Ochoa.
“That’s another level,” she said. “In 2010, I qualified for a couple events in Canada. Everything around it, the sponsors, the organisation was magical. It’s the best league in the world.”
At the 2010 Canadian Women’s Open, Elvira had the chance to play with Kim, one of her favourite golfers.
“After the round, I wanted an autograph. Christina is one of my idols. So I said, ‘Christina, can you sign for me?’ And she was going to sign my T-shirt. And I’m like no, no, yeah I’m a fan but not that kind of fan, you know. So I just gave her a piece of paper and she signed it. So that was fun.”
Growing up in Argentina, Elvira picked up golf after watching her parents on the course.
She added: “At the beginning, when I was a kid, we didn’t have many opportunities. Right now, the Argentine Golf Association is doing a great job. Kids have lots of opportunities, lots of tournaments and the game is growing.
“The R&A is also helping for women. I think there is a whole movement towards the improvement and progress of golf in Latin America. It’s been a long road and in a positive way.”
Now, Elvira, who resides in Spain, is focused on making the most of her experience on the LETAS.
She added: “The goal for this week would be enjoy the week, enjoy the venue, not lose many balls, making the cut if possible. I don’t practice or play as much as I used to.
“I will just try to play my best. If my best is at the level, that would be great. If not, I will be enjoying my game and my time here.”
