Nobuhle Dlamini
Swaziland’s Nobuhle Dlamini leads the way at the Anna Nordqvist Vasteras Open after recording a four-under 68 on day one at the Swedish event. The 27-year-old posted five birdies, four of which came on the front nine as she stormed into the outright lead after the first 18 holes in Bjärby.
“It feels good to be leading the tournament, I played solid from tee to green. My strength today was my approach shots. I was able to put the ball in good positions on the greens so the putts weren’t too tricky”
Dlamini’s best finish on the LET Access Series came in 2015, a third-place at the Lavark Ladies Open, and whilst leading tournaments on several occasions in the past the African is yet to secure a first tour victory –something she’ll be hoping to change this weekend.
Finland’s Sanna Nuutinen carded a three-under round of 69, one adrift of Dlamini after the opening round in Sweden. The 28-year-old, who currently tops the Road to La Largue leaderboard, took the Amundi Czech Ladies Challenge crown just last week and looks poised to challenge for a LET Access Series title once again.
The Finn had a strong opening nine holes with perfect drives setting up early birdies on holes three and four. Nuutinen attacked the course throughout the round with four further birdies on the back nine, offsetting three bogeys, with the 28-year-old holing several long putts on the pristine greens at the Vasteras Golf Club to lie second in Bjärby heading into Friday’s second round.
“My ball striking is still really good. So, it makes golf much easier when you hit a lot of fairways and a lot of greens. The greens here are great so I was rolling in some longer putts today as well, missed a few, made a few. Just normal work on the greens but at least I gave myself chances.”
Also in contention is England’s Rachel Drummond who posted a -2 round of 70. The 29-year-old has had a mixed season but saw a return to form on the opening day at Vasteras.
“It was really good. I hit it solid all day and I managed to hole quite a few putts. I felt quite comfortable out there. There’s a few holes where you get rewarded if you play aggressively off the tee. The greens are in really good condition so you can pick your line and trust it.”
The players will begin Friday’s second round expecting similar conditions with light showers a possibility throughout the morning. The tournament looks poised for a good day’s play with a number of the LET Access Series Road to LaLargue leaders firmly in touch looking poised to mount a title challenge at the stunning Vasteras course.
