Marianne Skarpnord was delighted to card an opening round of 67 (-5) at the 2024 Tipsport Czech Ladies Open.
The Norwegian has been struggling on the golf course in 2024 making just three cuts so far and sitting 147th in the Order of Merit.
However, everything came together at Royal Beroun Golf Club on Friday as she rolled in six birdies and one bogey for her 67.
It’s been a long time since the five-time LET winner was able to post a similar number, the previous occasions were a four-under 67 at the 2023 Lacoste Ladies Open de France and a five-under 66 at the same tournament in 2022.
“I made a lot of birdies today which was maybe not what I expected out here,” she said. “I played really well and finally got some putts to drop.
“I haven’t had a five-under for a very long time. I can’t even remember when the last time was, I’m very pleased with that.
“I think that my game has been pretty good all year to be honest, which I know sounds crazy, but I just haven’t been able to put it all together.
“Finally, today I managed to get out and not make any mistakes. When you struggle for so long and you play well, it’s almost like you’re waiting for something to happen.
“I tried my absolute best today to just focus on every shot, not thinking forward or thinking about what’s happened and I actually did that pretty well. I’m very happy with the score today.”
Skarpnord is playing her first two rounds at the Tipsport Czech Ladies Open alongside England’s Meghan MacLaren.
The Englishwoman has also spoken of her struggles on the golf course this season but was able to produce a three-under 69 on the first day in Czechia.
And Skarpnord was also ecstatic to see three-time LET winner MacLaren play well on the first day.
She explained: “I played with Meg [MacLaren] today and we have both been struggling all year and I was so pleased to see her play well as well today. We cheered each other on out on the course.
“You know how painful it is to be going through those times and I know Meg has been going through some really rough times as well. I’m very happy to see her play well today.”
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