Swedish amateur Edit Hertzman got off to a great start at the Ahlsell Trophy by Destination Jonkopling after firing an opening round of 68 (-4).
In windy and testing conditions, the LSU student fired a round of five birdies and one bogey to put herself in the lead by one shot.
Speaking about the round, Hertzman said: “It was very windy out there, so I am very happy with my round. I struck the ball well and managed to roll in some nice putts which is always fun.”
Hertzman, an invitee who hails from Gavle, Sweden played in last year’s edition of the event but failed to make the cut.
“I learned a lot from last year. Especially on and around the greens and where to position the ball to get the best look.”
Hertzman, who has a highest rank of 314th on WAGR, has played five co-sanctioned LETAS events with a highest finish of tied 14th in 2021 at the GolfUppsala Open.
“I will approach tomorrow just like any other day. Every round is a new round. I’ll warm up just like any day and tee off with the same energy as always.
“I’m happy to be back playing at Gränna, I have family friends in the area. So always happy to be here.”
The Netherland’s Lauren Holmey is hot on Hertzman’s heels as she looks to close the one stroke gap tomorrow.
It was a steady start for the Dutch woman who carded eight consecutive pars before a birdie dropped on the ninth.
At the turn, Holmey found momentum to card two bogeys and four birdies, including two consecutively on holes 10 and 11.
Speaking about her round, Holmey said: “It was windy out there so every par was good for the taking and to get some birdies is a cherry on top.”
It has been a steady first half of the season for Holmey who has finished twice in the top 10 this year. The 22-year-old has been in contention and lost out on the win at the Santander Golf Tour-Avila in a play-off so will be seeking for retribution.
“I’ve been struggling this season with a painful ligament in my left hand the last couple of months. It has been a bit up and down. So it was frustrating.
“Yet the golf was definitely there and I’m happy to see some progress with my hand.
“I can now just go out and enjoy the golf instead of worrying about something else.”
Lauren is half French half Dutch. Whilst she lives in Paris she plays under the Dutch flag.
Holmey turned professional in 2022 at 19 years old after earning her full LET card for 2023 through LETAS but returned in 2024 after losing her playing rights.
“I think the forecast is saying more wind all day tomorrow as well, so I want to bring a positive attitude and be patient out there.
“Gränna Golf Course is great. The volunteers are lovely and everybody is welcoming so it’s great to come back here this year. The course is in even better condition.”
The USA’s Annika Borrelli, Denmark’s Cecilie Leth-Nissen and Rookie of the Year leader Charlotte Heath are all tied for third on two-under-par.
Speaking about the conditions, England’s Heath said: “The wind was crazy so it was playing really hard but also quite fun because you could hit so many different kind of shots”
It was a faultless back nine for the Englishwoman who carded three birdies including a good finisher birdie on the 18th.
“I just think the back nine suits me more. Quite a few of the holes on the front nine I just don’t quite feel comfortable on.
“I think the course set up is good I like the mix of longer and shorter par 4s but it would be interesting to see how it will play with less wind.
“Tomorrow will just be the same as always, I will take one shot at a time and don’t take anything for granted. Golf can humble you quickly so just staying in the moment is best for me.”
Eight players round out the top 10 on one-under-par including Sweden’s Isabell Ekstrom.
Round two begins at 7:30am tomorrow. There will be a cut to the top 45 professionals and ties happening after play finishes.
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