French amateur Yvie Chaucheprat took the early lead at the Montauban Ladies Open after starting the tournament with a four-under-par 68 on home soil.
Chaucheprat did not hold back with three birdies on her opening three holes and added five to her card throughout the round.
She said: “My game was really solid today, I had good drives, irons and putts. I did make a few mistakes but erased them with eight birdies. I also made a great par putt on the last hole after hitting my tee shot in the penalty area. Since the season started, I have been trying to find myself so overall, I am very happy with my day. But I know the hardest part is still ahead of me.”
The Frenchwoman holds a one-stroke advantage from compatriot and fellow amateur Lou Rousselot and England’s Cara Gainer.
Rousselot, who shot three-under-par 69 in her first appearance in a professional tournament, had a great back nine with an eagle on the par-five 13th and finished with back-to-back birdies on the par-four 17th and 18th.
She said: “I am very happy to be able to play my first professional tournament here in France. I am confident with my game right now, and my strategy for today was just to place the ball and have as many birdie opportunities as possible.
“I started the back nine with a bogey, but I knew I had a short par-five ahead. I hit the green in two, about one metre from the hole, and made the putt. It gave me good confidence as my two birdies at the end were essential for my score. I made a long putt on 17, and a close wedge shot for tap-in on the last hole.”
Gainer, who finished second on the LETAS Order of Merit in 2020, also finished her round with back-to-back birdies.
“I was really pleased with my finish, I hit it great from tee to green all day and the putts just were not going in, particularly on the front nine. So, it was nice for them to drop on the final couple holes,” said the English golfer, who made her first LETAS start of the season.
“I am really happy to be back playing LETAS for the first time since last year. It’s a great atmosphere this week and the weather is amazing. I hope I can keep my momentum going over the next few days.”
Thirteen players shot under par at the Golf du Montauban golf course including another amateur Jana Melichova from Czechia, who finished in the top-10 at the LETAS season opener.
Melichova is among seven players at a one-under-par (71) heading into second round. The Czech amateur said: “It is nice to be able to play at another LETAS event. Last week at home was great and I was happy with the way I played so opening the Montauban Ladies Open with a round under par feels good.”
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