Nov 29,2024
Noora Komulainen holds a one-shot lead at the Andalucia Open de Espana after carding an opening 65 to move to seven under par.
Komulainen registered eight birdies and a solitary bogey at the 16th at Real Club Guadalhorce Golf.
The German pair of Helen Briem and Patricia Isabel Schmidt, India's Pranavi Urs and Spain’s Ana Pelaez Trivino are the Finnish player's nearest pursuers.
Slovenia's Pia Babnik and Spain’s Carlota Ciganda are in a tie for sixth place on five under, while Ireland's Lauren Walsh occupies a share of 20th place on two under after racking up five birdies and three bogeys.
Speaking after her first round, Komulaine said: "It was a really solid day, to be honest. I think I hit almost all the fairways and my approaches were good. My putter was good, so that's the secret today.
"It’s been a tough year, I really struggled this year. I had a really good three weeks at home. I worked on some things that I need to work on and I think that worked.
"I was already preparing for next year, so I knew that I have to play well this week because I’m 65th in the ranking at the moment. I was just enjoying myself on the golf course today. I think we always have a little of pressure which helps, but I didn’t feel too much pressure."
