Nicole Garcia grabbed a share of the first-round lead on Friday with a four-under-par 68 in the Ladies European Tour’s Helsingborg Open at Allerum Golf Club in Skane, Sweden.
Garcia made five birdies and a bogey in her first round, and shared the lead with Ana Pelaez Trivino of Spain and Sweden’s Caroline Hedwall. They had a one-stroke lead over Nuria Iturrioz of Spain and Florentyna Parker of England in a share of fourth on three-under.
Garcia started her round on the 10th hole, and immediately dropped a shot. It turned out to be the only dropped shot of her round, with two more birdies for her ahead of the tun, and then three on the way home.
She said: “The wind was really tough today, so I was just trying to stay patient. I hit a few loose shots, but on this course, at least there is a little bit of space, so it is forgiving if you are off line. There are quite a few hard bounces on the greens, but I managed to make a few birdies.
“On the last, the ball was rolling up nicely from the left and looked like it might have run in. I was really hoping that the ball was in the hole, but it wasn’t to be, so I’m happy with a tap-in birdie. It was just sitting on the lip.
“I do tend to play really well in the wind. I’m not sure what it is, if I concentrate more or am more focussed on my targets, so if it’s not windy tomorrow I’ll have to channel my inner windy golfer. I’m going to try to keep it up. The golf course suits me and I’m putting really well. There are two more rounds to go, so I’ll try my best.”
Next best of the South Africans was Casandra Alexander, who signed for a two-under-par 70 and a share of sixth, with, amongst others, Sunshine Ladies Tour Order of Merit winner Lily May Humphreys of England. Alexander made four birdies and two bogeys in her round.
Stacy Bregman carded a level-par 72 to be in a share of 21st while Lejan Lewthwaite battled to a seven-over 79 and a share of 110th.
