Spain’s Maria Parra got off to a hot start at the Montauban Ladies Open by carding an opening round of 65 (-7).
The Spaniard had a faultless front nine of two birdies and one eagle.
Parra fired four birdies on her back nine and a bogey on the 17th was her only mistake of the day.
Speaking about her round, Parra said: “I’m so happy. My swing is feeling great and I’m feeling confident.”
Parra, who was a two-time winner on LETAS in 2016 as a teenager, came back to the Tour last year after a few years playing between the US and Europe.
“The confidence comes from me working a lot. I’ve been having troubles with my swing and mentally but I’ve been working hard, so I’m so happy that I played well today.
“There’s still two days, so I just need to keep going and keep hitting the ball like that.”
This is Parra’s first time at Golf Du Montauban and is enjoying teeing it up in France.
“The course is good and I’m loving playing out here. Also, the greens are great. I love that grass!”
The former world number two amateur has had a solid start to the season with a highest finish of 13th at both the Terre Blanche Ladies Open and the Super Bock Ladies Open.
“This season so far has been good. I have had a couple of good tournaments. The difference between the others is that this week I have more confidence than before. Long may it continue.”
Italy’s Erika De Martini lies two shots behind Parra on five-under-par after carding eight birdies and three bogeys in her opening round.
“I’m feeling good. My putter was my saviour out there. My irons I don’t feel confident with but tomorrow is another day.”
In the 2024 edition of the Montauban Ladies Open, De Martini finished in the top 10 after carding rounds of 69,69 and 78.
“I really like the course and the greens are really, good.
“Playing well last year does give me confidence but I really like the course. I just want to stay calm and confident.”
De Martini currently sits 63rd in the LETAS Order of Merit.
Speaking about her season so far, De Martini said: “I started really slow in Terre Blanche, but in Portugal I made the top 20, so I feel my game is on the up but I try to stay focused and play to my goals.”
Germany’s Lara Ok, Italy’s Emma Lundgren and current LETAS Order of Merit leader Amalie Leth-Nissen are tied for third on four-under-par.
Ok credits her solid opening round to her father being on the bag.
“Having my dad on the bag is mental support. He’s not a good coach or has golf knowledge but he’s good for keeping me mentally strong and being in my corner.”
Meanwhile Lundgren wants to continue the positive vibes which her and her playing partners had today.
“This is my second year on LETAS, and I have worked very hard. I’m trying to enjoy it and just believe in every shot I play.
“Tomorrow, I want to take the positive vibes and the good attitude I had today.”
Futherdown the leaderboard six players are tied for sixth; Australia’s Belinda Ji, Isle of Man’s Ana Dawson, Switzerland’s Elena Colombo, England’s Gemma Clews, Netherland’s Lauren Holmey and France’s Emma Falcher all finished round one on three-under-par.
Round two begins at 8:00am local time. At the end of play there will be a cut to the top 45 professionals and ties.
For more information on the tournament, visit letaccess.com and follow @LETAccess on Facebook, Instagram and X – #Access2LET.
