Before heading to the Epson Tour’s FireKeepers Casino Hotel Championship last week, Laura Restrepo teed it up at the Seagate CC July Classic in Delray Beach, Florida for a quick competitive 18. She was one of 23 in the event, and the only woman.
“It’s uncomfortable playing with the guys,” said Restrepo. “You’re used to playing with girls, and you’re the only one so you kind of stand out. But it’s good to be uncomfortable.”
Uncomfortable seemed to work for Restrepo. She showed up 22 men and won the event. Her 4-under par round sealed the victory by two-strokes, marking the fourth time a woman has won on The Minor League Golf Tour.
“It was a great confidence booster,” said Restrepo. “That’s for sure."
Among her competitors was fiancé Trevor Sluman. The couple put their relationship to the test, teeing it up against each other for the first time. Ultimately, Restrepo came out four strokes ahead of Sluman, who finished in fifth place at even-par, but her groom-to-be was nothing but happy for her.
“It felt good,” laughed Restrepo. “We’re competitive, but we cheer for each other, so he was very excited that I had a good week.”
Restrepo said she would someday tee it up against her fiancé again. But for now, he’ll retire as a competitor and return to her partner, caddying for her at the French Lick Charity Classic.
“We share the golf world a lot,” said Restrepo. “I’m super excited to have him on the bag this week.”
When Sluman has the bag, Restrepo says she feels comfortable. Having him as a caddie this week, after a win on the Minor League Golf Tour, could give Restrepo momentum heading into the final quarter of the season.
“I like when he’s around,” said Restrepo. “He knows my game really well. We practice together almost every day when we’re at home, so it’s just soothing to have him there. It’s going to be a fun week for us.”
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