With temperatures soaring on the West Coast, it was Slovenian youngster Pia Babnik who hit the ground running on day one at the 2019 Helen Holm Scottish Women’s Open. A sensational opening round of 66 at Royal Troon gave the youngster a two-shot lead over the rest of the field.
Babnik, who is the highest ranked player in this week’s field, carded nine birdies in total on her way to finishing six-under-par ahead of round two tomorrow. 2018 Scottish Champion Jess Meek (Carnoustie) and Chloe Goadby (St Regulus) both carded 3 under par round of 69 to be the leading Scots
Scotland’s Shannon McWilliam also enjoyed the “ace” conditions in Ayrshire. The youngster from Aboyne recorded a hole-in-one at the 142-yard Par 3, eighth on her way to carding a two-under-par 70.
McWilliam, is one of six Scots currently in the top 10 with last week’s Scottish Girls’ Open Champion, Hannah Darling, also two-under-par after day one.
Speaking to Scottish Golf following her opening round, McWilliam said:
“The pin was at 142-yards, playing uphill and slightly into the wind, I was trying to hit a 150-yard shot and hit a perfect eight-iron that bounced once and went in. I didn’t actually see it go in, I only knew because of my mum’s reaction.”
Analysing the rest of her round, McWilliam admitted that there is still room for improvement, adding:
“It was a very mixed bag out there for me today, two double bogeys, one bogey, five birdies and a hole-in-one. I felt like I could have been a lot lower but I am looking forward to round two tomorrow.”
The 120-strong field will play another round over Royal Troon Portland on Saturday, before the cut is made for the final 18 holes over Royal Troon Old Course, on Sunday.
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