Nobuhle Dlamini announced a return to form on Friday with a first round of six-under-par 66 in the Ladies European Tour’s Dutch Ladies Open at the Hilversumsche Golf Club in Hilversum, Netherlands.
The eSwatini player, returning from time off for her first child, went round without dropping a shot, and that put her one stroke behind the leader. Kim Metraux fired an opening round of seven-under-par 65.
Two other players were in a share of second place with Eswatini’s Dlamini: England’s Gemma Clews and Germany’s Laura Fünfstück were both on six-under-par.
It was a bogey-free day for Dlamini, who is only playing in her third LET tournament since returning to Tour after the birth of her first child last year. The 32-year-old rolled in birdies on holes one, two, nine, 11, 13 and 16.
“I had a good day,” said Dlamini. “It was a solid round. I hit it good off the tee. My iron play was also really good. I also putted better, the last two tournaments I played I didn’t so when I went back home, I spent a lot of time working on the putter. I rolled it pretty good today.
“I’m very happy with myself! I’m very impressed. A few weeks ago, when I started, I thought I’d struggle a little bit also trying to get my fitness back. I must admit I was very nervous when I played my first one back.
“Over time, I’m getting better. I’m still nervous but it’s different nerves. It’s an amazing feeling. I don’t know what my baby has done to me, but I do feel freer.”
Lee-Anne Pace and Gabrielle Venter each opened with one-under-par 71 to be in a share of 32nd after the first round. Stacy Bregman was on level-par in a share of 44th.
Cara Gorlei and Danielle du Toit battled to eight-over 80s, and shared 128th in the 132-player field.
