Krista Bakker
Finland’s Krista Bakker takes a three shot lead into the final round of the CreditGate24 GolfSeries Hamburg Open at Treudelberg Golf & Country Club. The 21-year-old shot a second round, 70, for a 7 under par total to lead France’s Emilie Piquot.
Bakker found conditions tougher during the second day, relying on her solid putting in the tough, blustery conditions.
“It was a little bit tougher today, I made a lot of up and downs and I putted well. I made an eagle on number five, I drove it about 270 and hit a three wood to three metres,” Bakker said.
Leading a professional tournament going into the final day’s play will be a new experience for Bakker but she intends to keep the same mind-set and will be supported by her caddie and boyfriend Henrik Honkalehto, who is a scratch golfer.
“I’m just going to do my thing just like these last two days and just keep having fun on the course.”
Piquot, who shot a second round of 72 for a 3 under par total, also finds herself in unchartered waters and admitted to feeling nervous at the beginning of her second round.
“I was very, very nervous in the beginning but after this I made my first birdie in the nine holes and after I just play and enjoy.”
The long hitting French player has played the par five 18th, which demands an accurate second shot to an island green, in four under par, recording two eagles in her first two rounds.
“I think it is my favourite hole because yesterday I made an eagle on this one and the same today it’s good. I will be very nervous tomorrow, I will just see and I hope I will enjoy tomorrow too.”
Germany’s Isi Gabsa, the current LETAS order of merit leader is well placed in third position at three under par, 141, alongside Finn Leena Makkonen. Gabsa will leave for the United States after this week’s event to attend the LPGA Qualifying School and is now almost already assured of her LET playing rights for the 2016 season.
Fellow German Olivia Cowan shot a second round 72 to sit in 5th place on her own at one under par, 143.
Forty-two professionals and four amateurs made the cut, which fell at five over par, 149.
