Chelsea Pezzola: Meet the Instagram sensation ready to challenge Paige Spiranac in the Dubai Masters
American pro golfer reveals she hopes to encourage other women to take up the sport as she prepares for tournament debut
GOLF beauty Paige Spiranac faces stiff competition from new girl on the block Chelsea Pezzola in December's Omega Dubai Ladies Masters.
Chelsea, 23, from Florida, has already reached one goal as she is set to make her maiden appearance in the tournament.
Now, she aims to inspire more women to pick up the sport.
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The professional golfer, who has racked up over 24,000 followers on Instagram, said: "I want to help other women get into the game and that’s one of my major goals.
"Golf is a game everyone should play because it teaches so many life lessons and gives you a chance to enjoy nature, travel and meet incredible people.
"I am thrilled to participate in the Omega Dubai Ladies Masters and explore the beautiful city I have heard so much about.
"Golf is one of my greatest passions so I am excited to compete against so many talented athletes from across the globe while inspiring others to chase their dreams."
Chelsea follows Paige into sporting stardom after the Colorado-born golfer burst onto the scene in May for winning her first tournament as a pro.
Paige, also 23, took part in the Dubai masters last December - but failed to make the cut.
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She said: “Playing Dubai last year was a great learning curve for me both inside and outside the ropes . . . I couldn’t have asked for a better place to come for my first tournament.
"Through it all, I had a great experience and I am looking forward to being a part of the event again."
Paige, like Chelsea, entered the realms of pro golf after amassing a huge following on social media.
She currently boasts over 857k followers on Instagram.
Mohamed Juma Buamaim, vice chairman and CEO of golf in Dubai, said: "Paige belongs to a new breed of social media-savvy players who represent the best hope to elevate the profile of women’s golf.
"They are genuinely talented, they are charismatic and have the ability to reach so many fans, so crucial to the success of a tournament. It’s good to see women’s golf open up to these players who are taking a very different path to the top.
"We look forward to welcoming back Paige and hope her presence will inspire youngsters, especially from our region, to take up sports [which is] so important for a healthy lifestyle."