Simon in race against time

Johannesburg - Top South African women's golfer Ashleigh Simon is undecided about her eligibility to compete in the Ladies European Tour and WPGA co-sanctioned SA Women's Open in KwaZulu-Natal from April 19-21.

Simon underwent hip surgery three months ago, and while her recovery has been good, there is a chance she will not be ready to play in the Open.

"I'm well down the road to recovery, but I won't be able to make a decision until right before the tournament," Simon said.

"The surgery was a success and the game is coming along slowly, but my surgeon warned me that it would be three to six months before I could play again.

"In January, three months sounded like nothing, but having reached that mark, I would have to say that it is doubtful that I'll return to competitive golf any time soon."

Simon's game was still limited largely to chipping and putting, and she only started hitting balls with a half swing last week.

The two-time SA Women's Open champion admitted to feeling frustrated by her situation.

"I was told in August last year that I would have to have the hip surgery and the news came as quite a blow," Simon said.

"I had just started to play really well in Europe when I had to quit, so I was rather resentful about going under the knife, but at that stage I was also getting daily cortisone injections to cope with the pain."

Simon is no stranger to injury comebacks over the last few years, and is once again doing her best to remain patient.

"I'm obviously frustrated that I have to work through this process, when all I want to do is get out there and play," she said.

"I'm working hard with my coach to get my game back. I'm doing far more gym work than I've ever done before to get fit and I don't think I've ever been as mentally tough and prepared as I am now.

"I will have a pretty full schedule once I start playing again because I have to play a minimum of 11 events."

Simon said her main goal was to get into fighting shape, so she'll be able to challenge for victory in every event when she goes back on tour.