Finland’s Linda Osala had a memorable opening day at the Ladies Open by Pickala Rock Resort as she posted a 66 (-6) in front of friends and family to soar into early contention.
Aided by the local crowds and knowledge of her former home club, the Finnish star carded six birdies and one eagle to move just two adrift of leader Carmen Alonso on day one.
“I managed to hole some putts on the front nine and then on the back nine I played steady and made a got save for par from water,” Osala said, whose round was interrupted by not one, but two suspensions on Thursday because of electrical storms.
“I was super nervous after the first break,” the Finnish star continued. “My first shot back was the tee shot on 18 which is one of the toughest drives so I was forced to chip out after that.
“I was nervous and didn’t really know what to expect on the greens [after the restart]. And then when I finally got over it we had to take another break.”
Starting her round on the 10th hole, Osala went on a tremendous run just before the first break, birdying the 13th, 14th, 15th, before chipping in for eagle on the 16th before following it up with another birdie on the 17th.
“I was between clubs but chose the one I did and it ended up going long. But I had a nice downhill chip and it went in. I don’t think I’ve chipped in in years so it was about time!”
The Finnish star – who is one of 14 home players teeing up in Helsinki this week – would bogey the 18th following the two hour suspension before recouping with a string of pars after the turn.
Chasing her maiden win on the Ladies European Tour (LET) and with her husband on the bag, Osala then finished with a birdie on her closing hole to the delight of the home fans watching on.
She said: “I used to be a member here so I course very well and I know a lot of the supporters here and the volunteers. I have a lot friends here watching so I really wanted to make their visit worth it. I hope there’s some more people tomorrow as well.
“My mum has been with our daughter for the whole day, and she didn’t expect that [the suspensions]. So now I’m going to go home and spend some time with her.”
Osala gets her second round underway on Friday at 15:49 local time. Follow all the action on @LETGolf on Instagram and Twitter and Ladies European Tour on Facebook and YouTube – #RaiseOurGame #LETsRockPickala.
