Kelsey Bennett and Hannah Reeves share the first round lead at the Ford Women’s NSW Open after carding 6-under par opening rounds of 65 at Wollongong Golf Club.
After heavy rain on Thursday suspended play in the afternoon, the pair both played their first rounds on Friday morning with Bennett setting the clubhouse target at 6-under.
Competing in her home State Open, Bennett carded seven birdies and a bogey, continuing the good form which saw her finish runner-up at last month’s Vic Open and in a share of 12th at the PIF Saudi Ladies International a fortnight ago.
“Obviously, it’s only round one and we’ve got to get back out there this afternoon and do it all again. But it’s good to feel a bit of good form and take that into this afternoon,” she said.
“The weather conditions were a bit average, so it was just a game of patience and I stayed patient all day and things just came together. You don’t want to have too many expectations, but it’s nice to shoot a good round.
“It was pretty disappointing (to miss the cut) last year, so it’s nice to sort of set it today and hopefully this afternoon we can keep it rolling.”
Ford Women’s NSW Open – Leaderboard
Reeves, who won three Ford Women’s NSW Open Regional Qualifying events, joined her at the top of the leaderboard after her bogey-free 6-under par effort, in what is her first outing at an event co-sanctioned by both the WPGA of Australasia and the Ladies European Tour.
“It’s actually my first LET event. So just playing with all the LET girls and the WPGA girls, it’s awesome,” said Reeves. “It’s so good to play in such a great event. And especially with how much rain we’ve had, the course is unreal. Credit to everyone at Wollongong.”
In a share of third two strokes back are Morgane Metraux (Switzerland) and Luca Thompson (Wales) after 4-under opening rounds.
Thompson made nine birdies in her opening round, despite making her first professional appearance this week and only arriving in Australia on Monday morning after delays to her travel.
“It was an absolute nightmare, so we couldn’t get a visa, first of all,” said Thompson. “Managed to get one while I was on the plane because I was going to just stay in Bali. Changed my flight to Australia, got to Doha, then it was like delayed by 18 hours. So yeah, got here Monday morning feeling like very jet lagged.
“I’m just a bit baffled at the minute. We had English weather, so that’s always helpful. It felt like being at home. It just flowed the whole time. My wedge game was really good. And I think on this course, if you can putt and wedge well, you’re in a good spot.”
Alexandra Swayne (USA), Aine Donegan (Ireland) and Caitlyn Macnab (South Africa) share fifth on 3-under.
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