Norway’s Stina Resen fired a career-low round of 65 (-7) to lead the Flumserberg Ladies Open by three shots at the close of play at Gams-Werdenberg Golf Club.
In sunny calm conditions in Switzerland, the LETAS returned to action for the first time this season and the 27-year-old wasted no time getting back to work with birdies on Nos. 1 and 2 before her putter ‘caught fire’ for three further gains, to get to five-under-par through eight holes.
A momentary blip on the ninth hole, which proved to be her only bogey of the day, was followed up with a birdie at the 10th and another at the par four 17th, before holing a testing putt on the 18th to complete a solid day of work.
Recording the lowest score of not only her professional career but any tournament, Resen commented,
“I am very happy with my putt on the 18th, It feels great to be back and it has been a long time away. We were fortunate enough to have some tournament golf back in Norway, but I am very glad that the LET and LETAS could make it happen for us this week. It is a bonus that we are playing.”
Playing for the third time at the venue, Resen has competed in the last two full seasons on the LETAS, recording one top-10 finish in 2018.
This will be her first overnight lead.
“I was a little nervous towards the end, but I’ll try to calm myself down tomorrow and try to have fun.”
Resen has been working hard during lockdown and explained, “I have changed a few things since last year. I have changed my swing with a new coach, and I have been working on my mental toughness not just on the course but everyday life so I am excited to see this help me today.”
Resen was not the only player to enjoy the pristine layout at Gams-Werdenberg Golf Club, with several players commenting on the immaculate condition of the course.
One of which was Italy’s Stefania Avanzo, who sits in second place at four-under-par alongside Anaelle Carnet from France and Austrian Amateur Emma Spitz – who is looking to follow in the footsteps of defending champion Elena Mooseman, who lifted the trophy in 2019 as an amateur.
Avanzo said, “This year is amazing, the greens are so pure, and the course is a bit longer, so the course is playing really well. I have been practicing a lot since lockdown so my game is in a good place and I really enjoyed my day and had a lot of fun, I can’t wait for tomorrow.
Seasoned LET professionals Tvesa Malik and Sanna Nuutinen sit a stroke further back at three-under par after opening rounds of 69 while defending champion Elena Moosman struggled to a round of 74 (+2).
