With the Gary Player Invitational just around the corner, we spoke to English golf sensation Henni Zuel about the financial pinch, Michelle Wie playing on the men's tour and inspirational words from David Beckham.

iafrica.com (IA): We are assuming this is your first time at the Gary Player Invitational ? what are you expecting from the event?

Hennie Zuel (HZ): Yes it is. This event is my first since coming back from a lower back injury so I'm really looking forward to getting out on the course again and playing. I've heard some great things about this tournament and I'm excited to finally meet Gary Player as well.

IA: What will you be getting up to while in South Africa ? on and off the course?

HZ: Well, off the course I've been told there are a few dinner parties during the week and I'm hoping to go on a safari if I have time! On course I?m looking forward to meeting some great people and playing some great golf.

IA: US golfer Michelle Wie has spent a lot of time competing on the USPGA, which in turn contributed to her losing her LPGA card last season and having to re-qualify ? what are your views on women golfers competing on the men's tour?

HZ: I'm sure it's a great experience to play with the men, their standard of golf is phenomenal and I very much enjoy watching and learning from them. However, in my opinion women don't have anything to prove by trying to compete on the men's tour, the natural physical differences are such that they're effectively two different games. I believe the women's game can be just as strong in the future and people can appreciate the differences, such as in tennis.

IA: The current financial climate has all major sporting codes worried ? has there been a noticeable drop in tournaments, and sponsors, on the Ladies European Tour?

HZ: Yes there have been a few tournaments that haven't made it through but I think that the Ladies European Tour is so much better equipped, more now than ever before, to deal with the current financial climate. The tour is continuing to grow stronger and stronger and is still expanding worldwide.

IA: So, in your opinion, the Ladies the tour growing stronger?

Yes absolutely, as I mentioned previously it is expanding to more countries every year and not only that, but the standard of golf is also getting much stronger. There are a lot of great young players coming through, not only from Europe but also worldwide, creating a great base for us to steal many more Solheim Cups back!

IA: The talent is obviously there, why do you think it struggles to get as much coverage as the men?s game?

HZ: I think it will be a gradual process, the standard of women's golf is increasing and there are a lot of exciting players out there right now, making people want to watch the women's game a lot more. I suppose in the current economic climate it?s a bit more difficult but I?m sure in a couple of years it will have a lot more coverage.

IA: What are your immediate goals for next season?

HZ: My first goal is to get my full LET tour card, then after that a win would be great next year. I just have to keep working hard and doing the right things to make that possible.

IA: You've achieved a tremendous amount in golf already, but what are your long-term goals in golf?

HZ: Long term I see myself on the LPGA in a couple of years, in the process of getting there my goal is to get to the top of the European money list and then eventually top of the world rankings.

IA: You have said before that David Beckham has been very inspirational. When last did you speak to him, and what kind of advice does he pass on?

HZ: I haven't spoken to him for a while but he always answers any questions I have. When I left school he was advising me on peer pressure and being different to other kids my age and more recently staying focused on goals and working hard.