Scott joins Schaeffer at the top

(Arras, France, June 10 2004) When Ana-Belen Sanchez had to withdraw earlier in the afternoon with painful kidney stones, her regular caddie Mark Inia became unemployed. But only for a matter of minutes when Inia’s girlfriend Gina Scott took advantage of Sanchez’ misfortune and promptly gave her boyfriend an exhibition of high quality golf, closing the first round tied for the lead on six under par at the €275,000 Arras Open de France Dames.

Gina Scott

After a lightning storm caused the suspension of play twice in the morning, adding three hours onto everyone’s schedule, Schaeffer gave an electrifying performance on a damp squib of a day when the rain lingered long around the Pas de Calais region of Northern France.

Six birdies, no bogeys, 11 greens in regulation and 29 putts added up to Schaeffer’s lowest ever score. Birdies came thick and fast with a front nine of 32 and a back nine of 34 and naturally, she was delighted, if a little shocked by the experience of leading on the Ladies European Tour.

“I’m very happy – Tres jolie,” beamed Schaeffer after her round.

“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.”