Story No. 7 – Veronica Felibert Shoots 65 to Win First
Similar to the LPGA Tour, there was a youth movement on the Epson Tour in 2014. Names like Min Lee and Wei-Ling Hsu and Cindy Feng come to mind. However, there was also a steady stream of veterans that finally prevailed in 2014. Names like Mallory Blackwelder and Kendall Dye and Marissa Steen come to mind.
But don’t forget about Veronica Felibert, the 29-year-old who claimed her first Tour win at the Credit Union Classic in Syracuse, New York.
The Venezuelan carded birdies on three of her final four holes on Sunday to pull away from the field to win. She posted a 6-under 65 to earn her first career win.
It was a similar “finally, I won” story that was playing out all year.
“Oh my god, I’m very, very happy,” said Felibert on the 18th green. “I’ve been working very hard and it is finally clicking so I am very, very excited.”
Felibert was emotional after the win. I remember watching her cry in the arms of friend and fellow player Lili Alvarez. As we walking back towards the 18th green for the awards ceremony, I remember her asking me if she could call her family back home in Venezuela.
“I’m probably going to cry later because I know myself and this means a lot,” said Felibert in Syracuse. “ If you are a player or work on the Tour, you know I work very hard and being out here for so many years makes me realize I still haven’t been able to win and I feel so capable. This is very special and I am just so happy.”
That is an accurate statement. If you’re looking for Felibert at the course, just go to the driving range or the putting area. She probably spends more time honing her craft than just about anyone.
There wasn’t a fairy tale ending to Felibert’s season. She finished 11th on the Volvik Race for the Card money and then finished just outside the number to obtain LPGA Tour membership for 2015.)
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