2020 Epson Tour GRADUATE FERNANDEZ CANO DRAWS ON EXPERIENCE IN SEASON OPENER
March 20, 2021
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Ali is in her second year with the LPGA and is the Epson Tour Media Official. Prior to moving to Florida, Ali was an American Junior Golf Association Intern and a Communications Assistant with Stamford Peace Youth Foundation in Stamford, CT.
Fatima Fernandez Cano (Santiago, Spain) shot a bogey-free 6-under par 66 on Saturday to put herself one shot off the lead going into Sunday’s final round at the Carlisle Arizona Women’s Golf Classic.
“I know I am playing very solid golf. This course kind of fits me, I think I only missed one green today and I almost chipped in,” said Cano. “I didn’t quite take advantage of the par-5’s today like I’ve been doing this week so hopefully I can do that tomorrow.”
Last season, Cano was one of five players on the Road to the LPGA to earn their LPGA Card for 2021. She found her breakthrough moment at the IOA Championship presented by Morongo Casino Resort & Spa where she captured her first win. Despite testing positive for coronavirus twice and being forced to miss two events (FireKeepers Casino Hotel Championship and Epson Tour Championship), Fernandez Cano worked her way into the top five courtesy of six top-15 performances in eight starts.
“I think I have improved my putting a little bit to where an average round is not going to get out of control for me and a good round like today, the putts are going in, even though I left some out there,” said Cano. “I also gained some more distance coming into this year and that helped a whole lot. Also just being at a good mental place, enjoying being out here makes the difference as well.
“I’ve proven my goals by finishing top-5 last year. But if I truly pull it off and I can do it again it would be a dream come true.”