Night Vision

Germany’s Olivia Cowan can’t wait for the shotgun start to Dubai's new-look ladies European tour event.

- Kent Gray

DUBAI’S REVERED STOP ON THE LADIES EUROPEAN TOUR is back for its 13th edition with a new name and venue, a shortened fan-friendly format and even a bit of night-time action to spice things up. The evolution of the Dubai Ladies Classic to the aptly-named Omega Dubai Moonlight Classic after a 16-month hiatus is designed to future proof one of the LET’s leading events, a boon for emerging talents such as Olivia Cowan whose only ask of the LET is a steady stream of quality events to pursue their dreams.

The 22-year-old German also has an eye to the future which she hopes will include a long and prosperous career on the LPGA Tour. But that is for the future. The focus now is trying to kick on from her notable seventh placing in last season’s LET order of merit with four top 10s and €60, 801 in earnings.

“I was quite happy with my season last year. I was hoping for a win but that is still my goal for this year and I know I’m close,” said Cowan, who calls Worms, a city 60km south-southwest of Frankfurt, home.

Among last season’s highlights was a share of fourth in the season-ending Open de Espana won by the sweet-swinging Dutchwoman, Anne Van Dam. By Cowan’s own admission, 2019 has got off to a “rocky” start with top-25s in Abu Dhabi and South Africa but also a pair of missed cuts. The most encouraging result of the year thus far was her tied for 11th at the LPGA’s Vic Open in Australia