France’s Emma Falcher had a brilliant start to the tournament firing an incredible opening round of 65 (-7).
Falcher’s putter was on fire as the rookie carded five birdies in her first seven holes before a bogey on the eighth became the Frenchwoman’s only fault of the day.
Three more birdies dropped to give Falcher a two shot lead heading into tomorrow’s second round.
Speaking about her round, Falcher said: “I felt calm before the round today. My whole game was strong, and my putting was on fire especially on the front nine.
“This course is very similar to my home course; it’s the same type of the grass and the same type of shape. Even the green speed is the same. So, I think that helps.”
Falcher is accompanied by her father Dominque on the bag who was responsible for introducing a young Emma into the sport.
“My dad helps me to stay calm and honest on the round. When I hit a bad shot, he reminds me that it’s totally alright, I need to stay positive.
“He makes a lot of jokes on the golf course, and he keeps my smile going.”
Falcher currently sits 87th on the LETAS Order of Merit. Her best finish this season was tied 14th at the Allegria Ladies Open.
“This season was my rookie year, so I wasn’t expecting anything. I’ve been discovering the professional world, and I think I have been doing well.
“Tomorrow I am not going to expect anything. I will try to do the same thing, have the same routines, the same mindset and continue to have a good laugh with my dad.
“I think being positive leads to a great performance.”
LETAS’ number one ranked player Gemma Clews had a fantastic day carding a round of 67 (-5). It was a faultless round for Clews until a wayward tee shot on the 18th set her back one stroke.
Speaking about her hot start, the Englishwoman said: “I played a good all-round game, it was solid. I think it’s going to be a low scoring tournament so to post a good first round was important.
Clews had plenty of support out on the course with her parents, family and friends as well as members of the public willing her to do well.
“I think that was a massive help. When the day started off well and I heard the claps and cheers I do think it spurs you on.
“I’ve been checking the draw every week and to get to play with Justice finally was great.”
Clews has had a brilliant season. A win at the inaugural Allegria Ladies Open vaulted her up the leaderboards. Since then, Clews has proved a model of consistency with six top 10 finishes.
“There is some pressure on my shoulders but importantly it’s great to have a home tournament. Tomorrow, I don’t want to change anything. I’m battling a few things mentally, but I am just going to keep doing what I’m doing.”
France’s Lois Lau, England’s Lianna Bailey, Spain’s Maria Villanueva and Austria’s Katharina Muehlbauer finished tied third on four-under-par.
Muehlbauer, who is ranked fourth on the LETAS Order of Merit, had the start to the tournament she wanted.
“It was important for me to get a good start as I’ve struggled with that the last two tournaments. Going into this round, I liked the course, and I had a good feeling.”
Muehlbauer was partnered with Mexico’s Fernanda Lira and England’s Charlotte Heath. The threesome had a lot of fun out on the course.
“We had fun out there, it kind of felt like matchplay. On nearly every hole someone made a birdie and that brings good energy to the course. I’m looking forward to tomorrow.”
Seven players rounded out the top 10 on three-under-par. This included four English players; Lauren Horsford, Charlotte Heath, Rebecca Earl and Mia Eales-Smith.
Round two begins at 8:00am local time. At the end of the day a cut will occur with the top 45 professionals and ties advancing to the final round.
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