Following an opening six-under 65, Silvia Banon shot one-under 70 to take a three shot lead into the final round of the Belfius Ladies Open. The €35,000 event, played at the par-71 Rinkven Golf Club saw only nine sub par scores in round two.
The Gravenwezel course in Belgium is playing dry which helps with ‘carry’ on drives. However it is also tree lined, which makes it tight off the tee. The greens are big but slow, making up for the challenge on the first shot.
In these warm conditions, Spain’s Banon was calm and comfortable. “If you place the ball in the proper places, the shot to the green is easier.”
Despite a slow start to her season, she has been thinking about the present. “For tomorrow, I will prepare the same as any other day. Practice, and only thinking of now.”
Right behind is Sweden’s Johanna Bjork. Climbing 31 spots, her scores now read 71, 67. The second round included five birdies against one bogey. Bjork’s best finish on the LETAS this year has been a 10th place finish at the Azores Ladies Open.
Speaking post her round, Bjork said she was shaky off the tee, but made putts to keep her round going. “I would credit my iron game. Four times during the round I hit it to a metre from the hole. It is always nice to have short birdie putts.”
Order of Merit leader Meghan Maclaren followed an opening round 68 with 70. Three early birdies were derailed with two late bogeys. The Englishwoman is tied for second place with three others.
Home favorite Manon de Roey shot a second round 76 to slip down to 26th place after an overnight 70.
Belgium’s Clarisse Louis holds top amateur honours with scores of 70 and 72. The cut fell at seven-over par with 48th place and ties qualifying for the final round.
