Germany’s Laura Fuenfstueck fired a round of 67 (-5) to take an early one-shot lead from New Zealand’s Lydia Ko at the OMEGA Dubai Moonlight Classic, as the morning wave of 28-players completed their first round in the Dubai desert sun.
Starting from the first hole, in what some would deem as a fortunate draw, the 25-year-old began cautiously, making two birdies and a bogey on the front nine before catching fire on the back with three consecutive gains from the turn and another at the par five 16th hole to claim the solo lead at five-under-par.
Finishing the 2019 Order of Merit in ninth place, Fuenfstueck may still be in search of her first victory but the young German has posted as many as eight top-ten finishes in 32 career starts and she came in to the week having played every LET event this year, as well as the season finale on the LETAS.
“I came out to Dubai a bit early to practice on a few of the golf courses around here, there’s just so many nice ones so I just tried to prepare as well as I could. I’ve played as much golf as I could this year and although I still missed a few putts out there, I am really pleased with my day.”
Looking ahead to tomorrow and the prospect of her second round in the dark, Fuenfstueck added,
“Perhaps there will be less wind and I think there is a low number out there so I am anticipating someone shooting as low as seven-under-par this afternoon. The greens are easier to read in the sun because you can tell the grain a bit more but maybe I will find out what it will be like tomorrow.”
Trailing her by a stroke is former Rolex Ranking No. 1 Lydia Ko, who’s round of 68 (-4) included a mixed bag of an eagle, six birdies and four bogeys. The five-time LET winner is playing in her first LET tournament of the season and will almost certainly be one to watch tomorrow.
Defending champion Nuria Iturrioz continued her love-affair with Dubai, recording a solid first round of 69 (-3). The young Spaniard got her title defence underway from the 13th tee and while that might be unlucky for some, Iturrioz was pleased with the draw.
“My mum and I like the number 13, she gave me a necklace with this number on it so it’s actually a good thing I started on that tee.“
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