Two of Ireland’s recently turned professionals are in share of the lead on five-under-par after the first round of the Iberdrola Calatayud Ladies Open.
2024 Curtis Cup winner, Sara Byrne got off to an excellent start with a faultless front nine of five birdies before a steady back nine of one bogey and one birdie to card a 67.
Speaking after the first round, Byrne said: “I got off to such a good start being five-under through nine, my foot came off the gas a little bit unfortunately on the back nine but still happy to play solid golf all around.
This is Byrne’s first visit to Gambito Golf Calatayud and the Irish player is loving it so far.
“The golf course is beautiful; the weather is gorgeous and it’s a really good experience so far.”
Byrne comes into this event having made two consecutive cuts on the LET at the La Sella Golf Open and the Lacoste Ladies Open de France where she placed 41st and 28th respectively.
“There is not a big difference in the standard between the LET and LETAS, showing that the tour is getting stronger and stronger but obviously making those cuts gives me a lot of confidence and I’m playing well”
Byrne has her father once again on the bag and credits him with having fun out on the golf course.
“We’re coming off a long stretch together, so it is getting to the point where we do want a bit of a break but it’s great fun with him.
“Tomorrow, I want to do the same thing. I’m being aggressive with the targets out there and I think that is important.
“It’s about giving myself opportunity for some birdies.”
Northern Ireland’s Wilson got off to an even hotter start than her Irish colleague, carding two consecutive birdies on holes one and two before an eagle on hole four.
With two more birdies on the front, two bogeys and a birdie on the back, Wilson heads into second day as co-leader.
“I feel great, the front nine was amazing. I hit a lot of putts and the back nine I thought I felt I hit the ball better, but the putts didn’t drop but overall, I’m happy.
“I also have a fantastic group this week, I played with Nikki in Switzerland and she’s lovely and I know Gemma from amateur golf years ago, so we had loads of fun.”
Wilson is happy to see two Irish at the top of their game in the opening round.
“It’s amazing to see women’s golf in Ireland getting stronger and stronger. When I was growing up there was maybe three or four but now, we’ve got a great bunch coming through.
“We are all rooting for each other out here.”
It’s just over a year and a month since Wilson underwent ACL surgery but she’s made an impressive return to the course this season, including turning professional at her home LET tournament.
“I needed the time to do a bit of work on my short game and the injury forced me to do that.”
“So far, I’m loving life as a professional. Golf is golf it will always be the same, but all the extra stuff is great. I’m enjoying meeting lots of new people and the girls on tour, so far everything has been lovely.”
The Netherland’s Marit Harryvan and France’s Marine Griffaut both finished tied third on four-under-par.
Harryvan also had an excellent front nine with six birdies and one double bogey.
The Dutch player’s back nine was incredibly steady with eight pars and one birdie on the 11th hole.
“I’m very pleased with that round, I stayed calm throughout the whole round and had a hot start but managed to keep the pace going.
“I’ve played this event for three years and I think this year is the best conditions. The greens are immaculate and very quick.”
Harryvan has had a tough season having only made three cuts but at the last event finished tied 24th and feels she’s now found her form, a new approach to 18 holes has helped.
“People say take it shot by shot, but I went in with an attitude of take it three holes at a time and I want to do the same tomorrow.
“A roller-coaster is an understatement to describe my season, I started off bad. It was so difficult standing above the ball and not knowing where it was going to go,
“I’m so glad that now the game is getting better and better and I’m starting to find some form. I wish it came earlier but better late than never.”
Four players are tied for fourth on three-under-par: Denmark’s Puk Lyng Thomsen, English amateur Jessica Hall, France’s Emie Perronin and Norway’s Tina Mazarino.
Round two begins at 8:30am tomorrow and after play finishes there will be a cut to the top 45 professionals and ties.
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