The USA’s Brianna Navarrosa had a sensational start to the Destination Gotland Ladies Open carding a faultless 63 (-7).
It was a hot start for the University of Southern California graduate who carded five birdies on the front nine and two further birdies on holes 11 and 18.
After shooting her career best, Navarrosa said: “It felt great out there. I just took the day shot by shot and stayed patient out there.
“I did my best to not get ahead of myself and stay present.”
This is Navarrosa’s second professional start. The 22-year-old’s first was last week on LETAS, where she carded rounds of 78 and 71 to miss the cut by two shots.
“I recently turned pro and so far, I’ve found the transition quite smooth. I’ve reminded myself to not change anything about my game and mentality and that’s helped me a lot.
“Playing competitive college golf at the University of Southern California has also really helped me prepare for my professional career.”
Navarrosa has been accompanied by her mother on the bag for the last two weeks and is enjoying her first time in Sweden.
“I love Gumbalde Resort! I like the nature aspect and how peaceful it is out here. The course is in impeccable shape, and I think it’s a great tournament course because it requires discipline from tee to green.”
“My wonderful mom is on the bag this week. She caddied me last week at Gränna Golfklubb as well.
“She’s a trooper! It means a lot to me that she came over all the way from California to be with me for my first two professional events.”
Navarrosa is keen to not get ahead of herself and is excited to aim for another solid round tomorrow.
“My plan tomorrow is the same as it always is, shot by shot, and to stay present and patient. Keeping it simple all around has helped me play my best golf, and to just have fun alongside my mom!”
Swedish amateur Nathalie Borg shot a great opening round of six birdies, one bogey and one double bogey to card 67(-3) to sit joint second with Sweden’s Kajsa Arwefjall.
Commenting on her round, Borg said: “It felt great out there today. I was calm and played my game throughout the whole round.
“It was great golf all the way almost except for the 13th hole but I kept it going.”
Borg has visited Gumbalde Resort before but has not been back since the renovations.
“I really enjoy it here. I have been here a few times before, but I think the last time was 2016 or 2017. So, it was before they renovated the course. It’s very beautiful, I really like it here.”
The 20-year-old, who finished runner-up at the 2023 Smorum Ladies Open after losing out on the win in the playoff, is keen to see another strong finish this week.
“I’ll probably stick to my plan tomorrow and keep on going. I will keep my focus and just have fun, it’s the most important thing for me.”
Moregolf Mastercard Open winner, Kajsa Arwefjall also finished on three-under-par.
After a bogey shot on the fifth, the two-time LETAS Champion fought back to roll in four more birdies on holes six, 10, 11 and 16.
“My round was solid today. I was strong off the tee, but I need to work on hitting the ball closer tomorrow. So, it’s now off to the range.”
Arwefjall who heralds from Holiviken is experiencing her first time at Gumbalde resort and is loving it.
“I’ve never been to Gumbalde before, but I think it’s such a beautiful place. It’s so peaceful and nice. I’m staying in the hotel and its lovely.
“The greens are rolling even and fast, so it’s great to play.”
Arwefjall had some time between this week and last to relax and unwind.
“I got to see my brother play his first hockey match of the season. This was fun as I haven’t been able to do this in ages as I’ve been in college in the US.
“I also got to visit Visby which is a beautiful place.”
Now Arwefjall is ready to produce another solid round tomorrow.
“Tomorrow, I just need to play smart. There is not a lot of drives out here, so placement is key. Like today I’m just going to head out and have fun.”
Behind Arwefjall the scores are tight with nine players tied for fourth on two-under-par.
Round Two begins at 8:00am and once play finishes there will be a cut to the top 45 professionals and ties.
Follow all the action on @letaccess on Instagram, Twitter and TikTok and LET Access Series on Facebook – #RaiseOurGame. #EnjoytheGame.
