Jade puts the pros in the shade

(Arras, France, June 10 2004) Jade Schaeffer is a name perhaps more suitable to a Hollywood film star not that of an aspiring female golf professional. Few players on the Ladies European Tour have heard of her, except her sister, Fany, who is eight years her senior and currently in her rookie season.

Lynnette Brooky

“It’s a course that suits me. It’s very tight and I like that. I prefer courses like this because I just have to hit it straight.”

But all eyes will be on Brooky, who began the defence of her title in excellent form.

“I thought I was going to have a great day the way I started,” said Brooky, who reached four under after six holes played.

“Then I had a double on the 16th and I kind of lost the plot for a little while after that. But I’m pretty happy with 68, all I want to do is continue to play like that and I’ll be ‘rapped’.”

Swedish rookie Helena Alterby joins South African Laurette Maritz and Diana Luna from Italy on three under par, all of whom were clearly happy to have finished their rounds, while many of the competitors will have to return on Friday to complete the first round.

Making headway after 12 holes of her round is Brooky’s compatriot Gina Scott who is also four under par. Scotland’s Julie Forbes is one shot further back after 12 holes played along with Riikka Hakkarainen of Finland who has played nine holes of her first round.

Last week’s BMW Italian Open winner Ana-Belen Sanchez had to withdraw after nine holes with painful kidney stones, while England’s Trish Johnson, who finished second here behind Brooky in 2003, had recurring problems with a wrist injury and pulled out after 12 holes.