It’s a tight leaderboard at the end of the first round of the Santander Golf Tour-Zaragoza in Spain with four players in a share of the lead.
England’s Gemma Clews, Hannah Screen and Lianna Bailey along with Switzerland’s Elena Moosmann used the better morning conditions to fire rounds of 67 (-5) at Real Golf De Club La Penaza to be out in front.
It was a steady day in Spain for the Swiss star who only had one dropped shot on her card and rolled in six birdies.
“Today’s round was what I wanted. I had so much fun out there with Chiara and Sofie so that helped as well. When you enjoy yourself out on the course it helps your game.
Moosmann has had an excellent season with seven top-10 finishes including a second place at the Rose Ladies Open where she lost the win to friend and this week’s playing partner Chiara Tamburlini.
The 21-year-old now sits fourth in the LETAS Order of Merit with 1,454.62 points but is still searching for her first win of the season, which would be her first since winning the 2019 LETAS VP Bank Ladies Open at her first professional tournament.
“The win is a big goal this week but I’m trying to not force it because I did that a couple of tournaments which didn’t go that well. So tomorrow I will just play and then see how it goes.”
Manchester based Clews carded seven birdies and two bogeys to finish on top of the leaderboard and was happy to walk away with her lowest first round score for the year at the final event.
Speaking about playing alongside those closest to her on the Order of Merit she said: “There is some friendly competition out there, but I’ve just tried to focus on me and just do my job and get it done well.
“Tomorrow I just want to do what I did today, go out there and have fun.”
Last week’s winner, Hannah Screen finished with a more colourful scorecard of two bogeys, five birdies and one eagle.
“I wasn’t expecting the score today if I’m 100 percent honest. I just went out there and tried to hit a good shot every single time.
“It was a chilled atmosphere; I had a great game with the girls today. We played some fabulous shots and ended up on some great scores.
“Hopefully tomorrow I can have the confidence to do it again. I know I can do it again.”
Lianna Bailey had the only faultless round of the leaders carding five birdies, three on the front nine and two on the back.
“The fact I was so calm out there really helped and I committed to every shot.
“The course is nice, it’s traditional Spanish course with a lot of dog legs and it does get windy out there.”
Bailey has had a mixed season in her rookie year on tour with the highlight being the win at the Trust Golf Link Series at Ramside Hall.
The 26-year-old has only made the cut in one of seven tournaments she has played since the win so is delighted with her start to the final tournament.
“I think a combination of a lot of things has caused it, I was probably a bit tired and run down and I put a lot of pressure on myself. This week and last, I’ve been trying to relax and enjoy being out here.
“I’m playing with Hannah McCook and Emma Thorngren this week in Spain, and we have had a lot of laughs and it’s been great. I just want to enjoy the last week before Q School.”
Another four players are tied for fifth, one shot back on four-under-par. These are Iceland’s Ragga Kristinsdottir, Netherland’s Romy Meekers, home favourite Marta Martin and England’s Georgia Coughlin.
Coughlin’s hole-in-one with a six iron on the 158-yard third hole got the Englishwoman off to a strong start.
The second round begins at 8:40 am (local time) at the end of which there will be a cut to the top 45 professionals and ties after 36 holes.
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