“Super grateful. Relieved.”
Those are the words Lizette Salas used on Tuesday from Evian-les-Bains when asked to think back on her win last week at the Dow Great Lakes Bay Invitational. Her victory with partner Jennifer Kupcho marked Salas’ first win since 2014, a span of a span of 8 years, 1 month and 28 days. It also came just one day ahead of her 33rd birthday, an early present that she was more than happy to open.
“It didn't hit me until I got on the flight from Newark to Geneva. Kind of replaying everything that's happened since 2014, all the ups and downs, the almost… throwing in the towel, almost winning a few majors,” said Salas. “There is always that question if you're going to be that one-hit wonder kind of player. Just to get it with just a dominant player and a great friend like Jennifer was just icing on the cake. Happy 33rd birthday to me.”
A quick FaceTime with her family in California was the extent of her win/birthday celebrations before Salas headed to France at this week’s Amundi Evian Championship. This is her eighth appearance at the course nestled at the base of the Alps, and though she has only missed the cut once, Salas has yet to notch a top-10 performance. And until last week’s win, 2022 hadn’t been a year to remember for Salas, with just one top-20 finish in her 11 pre-win starts.
But that victory last week in Michigan hasn’t just brought a wide smile back to Salas’ face. It has also restored her confidence in her ability and her faith in herself, good timing considering the tournaments Salas has slated in the coming weeks.
“At the beginning of that year I questioned myself. Like I don't know how much fight I have left. I love being out here. Just golf is such a tough sport,” said Salas. “If you're not prepared, it could just eat you alive mentally. I was really scared about that. But getting this W just really flipped the switch on me. You know, just kind of lit that fire again. I'm excited. I'm excited to be on the golf course. Excited for these next couple majors coming up.”
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