Team Virgin Islands golfer Alexandra Swayne is teeing off among the top 32 golfers in North, South, and Central America and the Caribbean at the 2023 Pan American Games. Swayne shot a spectacular two under par (70) on the first day of competition in the Women’s Individual division at the Prince of Wales Country Club in Santiago, Chile.
“I’m so honored and excited to be here. I love playing golf, and I love representing my country. There’s nothing else I’d rather be doing,” said Alexandra Swayne, who scored 35 on the front nine and 35 on the back nine for a total of 70 for her first round.
Swayne’s round of 70 places her high up on the leaderboard, tied for fourth. She and the field of 32 golfers will play three more rounds of 18 holes, finishing the tournament on Sunday, November 5th.
“The golf course is a little bit different where I have to cut corners, not a lot of drivers off the tee, and a lot of fairway woods. It’s golf; it’s going to be different every day. People are going to play the holes a little bit differently than I might. It’s just sticking to my game plan, and doing what I do best,” said Swayne.
Weather conditions in Santiago, Chile, all week have been cold and rainy. In the morning when Swayne tees off, temperatures range from 40 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit, making conditions on the course difficult for all golfers competing in Santiago.
“This is not island weather; I’m wearing plenty of layers,” Swayne said with a smile. “It’s going to be a little difficult; the ball is not going to fly as far in the morning; you have to take that into consideration. Lot’s of gloves and hand warmers—that’s all you can do,” said Swayne.
Swayne is a professional golfer on the Ladies European Tour, and plays internationally, representing the Virgin Islands. She and the field of 32 women golfers will begin their second round at eight a.m. on Friday, November 2, 2023.
