First-round play at the La Sella Open was suspended at 14:30 local time due to thunder and lightning, leaving five players tied for the lead after a weather-interrupted opening day at La Sella Golf.
A truly international leaderboard emerged in Spain with France’s Ariane Klotz, South Africa’s Caitlyn Macnab, England’s Gemma Clews and Germany’s Helen Briem all carding opening rounds of 68 (-4) to share the clubhouse lead. England’s Hannah Screen joined them at four-under-par through 15 holes before play was halted.
After heavy rain and storms overnight, the morning starters enjoyed warm and sunny conditions and were able to complete their rounds before dark clouds rolled in across the Costa Blanca. Heavy rain followed, flooding parts of the golf course and forcing the suspension of play.
Klotz produced one of the most eventful scorecards of the day, mixing two eagles with a costly eight on the par-4 12th before battling back to reach four-under-par.
The 22-year-old from New Caledonia said it’s the first time she’s had two eagles in a round and when asked what happened on the 12th, she answered: “I hit all my bad shots on the same hole.”
On 18, she hit a superb second shot in to within four feet and made the putt. “I hit a great shot and had a putt in for eagle, which is always fun,” she added.
The 22-year-old believes her form has been stronger than recent results suggest and hopes this week could be a breakthrough.
“I really believe that I’m playing much better golf than last year. The results are just not following through. I know I’m super close to a good week and this week might be it.”
South African rookie Macnab continued to show the promise that saw her become the first woman to win a professional event on South Africa’s Sunshine Tour against a mixed-gender field earlier this season. Despite a rushed start to her morning, she remained patient throughout the round.
“I had a very rushed warm-up this morning and I felt like I was running around,” she explained. “I hung in there and stayed really patient. On these greens you can hit really great putts and they just don’t go in. I was hitting the ball nicely and didn’t miss any greens until the last little stretch, so I’m happy with my day.
“It’s been a grind. As a rookie, I’m putting a lot of work in. My coach has been behind the scenes, so a round like today means a lot and shows that the hard work is paying off.”
England’s Clews also enjoyed a smooth opening day, with her game clicking from tee to green and on the greens.
“It was really solid,” she said. “I hit a lot of good shots and holed some putts so it just flowed really well today.
“I’ll just do the same. The game plan’s pretty good. I feel pretty relaxed and will just keep doing what I’m doing.”
German star Briem was equally pleased after posting one of her best rounds in recent months. The 21-year-old made six birdies, including five on the more challenging back nine.
“It’s been a great round. I’m happy to start that way,” said Briem. “I haven’t played under par in quite a while, so I’m really happy.
“It was pretty windy, so a couple of holes played into the wind. Those holes were more difficult, but overall, if you hit the fairways, you get plenty of chances. I had plenty of chances and I used quite a lot.”
Screen remains well placed to challenge for the outright lead when first-round play resumes, sitting at four-under through 15 holes before the weather suspension.
With a tightly packed leaderboard and many players still needing to complete their opening rounds, all eyes will be on the resumption of play as the battle for the title at the La Sella Open continues.
