Sara Byrne returned to the Ladies European Tour (LET) just a few weeks ago following four months out due to injury.
In January, the Irishwoman fractured her radial head in her elbow and also partially tore two ligaments when falling on ice after leaving the gym.
After playing back-to-back tournaments, Byrne continued her comeback this week with the Jabra Ladies Open de France staged at Evian Resort Golf Club.
The 25-year-old started well with an opening round of 68 (-3) which include five birdies and two bogeys to sit in T5 at the end of the first day.
“I was feeling pretty good. I was just really chilled,” said Byrne. “I went out there just to play some golf and not put any expectations on it and just took it shot-by-shot. I know it sounds cringe but that’s the way it is.
“My elbow is giving me a little bit of grief, so it’s just hitting and hoping and then hoping it’s not sore. It’s getting through that more than anything else, but I was really happy and everything felt good.
“My putting is really good, I had a chip-in on 16, up-and-downs were really good, so I was saving myself a lot, and taking them when I had opportunities. It’s just fun to play this golf course, the views are amazing and it’s a really cool place to be at.”
Byrne made her first LET appearance of the season at the Amundi German Masters and played in the Lalla Meryem Cup last week.
She made the cut in Morocco, ultimately finishing in T57, but believes she is carrying some momentum with her game.
“It’s amazing to be back,” she continued. “Honestly, I missed it so much and I love it out here. I know it’s three [events] on the trot, I could probably keep going but my elbow is giving me a little bit of grief.
“It was hard starting off in Germany. I didn’t know how to feel. It was weird as I hadn’t played competitive golf in six months. That’s the longest time I’ve had off since I was about 10 and then it was difficult to get back into the swing of things.
“I had momentum coming off last week where I made the cut on the number, which felt really good. I had a bit of pressure coming down the stretch, so felt that. I was sailing my way in Morocco and then had a bit of stumble, but I’m riding the momentum and getting all the feelings back in and learning to deal with them on the golf course. It’s fun to get it back going.”
Keep up to date with all the action throughout on our socials – @LETgolf on Instagram, TikTok and X, and Ladies European Tour on YouTube and Facebook – #JabraLadiesOpenDeFrance.
