Sweden’s Madelene Sagstrom is in a three-way tie at the top of the leaderboard after the first round of the AIG Women’s Open.
Sagstrom fired a round of 67 (-5) which included seven birdies and two bogeys to be in a share of the lead.
The Swedish star played alongside European Solheim Cup captain Catriona Matthew and Japanese amateur Tsubasa Kajitani.
“It was very solid. I putted really, really well. I think that was kind of what saved me. I made some really long putts today, and I knew that, if I could just get on the green, I have a chance for birdie or a chance to save my par. I wasn’t striking it great, but I was missing in the right spots. I didn’t really lose any shots there and my putting was really what helped me out,” said the 28-year-old.
Alongside Sagstrom at the top are American Nelly Korda and South Korea’s Sei Young Kim, who also both shot rounds of five-under-par.
Major winner Korda, who is number one in the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings, made eight birdies on her way to a share of the lead.
“I played well. I took advantage of kind of the calmer day. It was definitely chillier in the morning. I’m not used to that coming from Tokyo, but I think I just took advantage of all my opportunities and played some solid golf,” said the Olympic gold medallist.
“It has taken time to adapt to links golf. I feel like the more I play links-style golf courses, the more I’m learning about my game here.”
Four players are one stroke back on four-under-par including 2018 Women’s Open champion Georgia Hall.
Making the 16th hole look easy!
— Ladies European Tour (@LETgolf) August 19, 2021
Opening round 68 (-4) for 2018 @AIGWomensOpen champion @georgiahall96#RaiseOurGame | #AIGWO pic.twitter.com/GErmFteDQ0
The English star went on a run in the middle of her round and rolled in six birdies on holes six through to 16.
Hall said: “I’m very happy with that. There wasn’t much wind at all, so I tried to take advantage of that. It was a fairly slow front nine, but I managed to get some putts to drop in the back. It’s so nice to be playing at home and in front of home crowds cheering me on. I rarely get to play links golf nowadays. It’s just a lot of happiness when I’m here.”
The Major champion was joined on four-under-par by Scottish amateur Louise Duncan who carded a round of 68 which included an eagle on 14.
“I was very nervous with a wee bit of excitement in there and then when it started to go really well the nerves came back, my heart rate went up. But overall, I really enjoyed it, and I’m already looking forward to tomorrow,” said Duncan.
Louise Duncan, the Women's Amateur Champion is on fire
— Ladies European Tour (@LETgolf) August 19, 2021#RaiseOurGame | #AIGWO pic.twitter.com/X8PxKhCHha
American Andrea Lee and 2021 U.S. Women’s Open champion Yuka Saso are also tied for fourth place.
There are three players who sit in a tie for eighth place after the first day; American duo Lexi Thompson and Lizette Salas, as well as Spain’s Carlota Ciganda shot rounds of 68 (-3) to round out the top ten.
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