In prevailing conditions – strong winds and heavy showers – that have done nothing for the case that Scotland really does have a summer, Korda’s creative shot-making and solid putting has been extraordinary indeed.
In winds that gusted to more than 40mph, as many as 16 members of the 144-strong field gathered in the Home of Golf for the AIG Women’s Open Championship managed to eke out scores in red figures.
Lauren Coughlin is getting good at this. Just under three years on from regaining full exempt status on the LPGA Tour and less than a month since she eliminated the tag “winless” from her career resume, the 31-year-old has multiple victories – both national Open titles – to her name.
The weekend has arrived at the AIG Women’s Open as Ally Ewing holds a five-stroke lead at 10 under par after 36 holes. American compatriot Andrea Lee, U.S. Women’s Open runner-up Charley Hull, and Japan’s Minami Katsu form the closest chase group at five under.
The history of golf is littered with major champions who have, sooner or later, disappeared back into near anonymity. Equally, claiming one of the biggest events in the game can just as easily be a springboard to further success at the very highest level and, in time, the attainment of true greatness. It can go either way.
Minjee Lee and Su Oh were the best of the Australians with one-under par rounds of 71 to be T22 on the opening day of the AIG Women’s Open at Carnoustie
Major champion Hannah Green will devote part of her preparation to making fellow West Australian Kirsten Rudgeley feel at home among the elite of world golf at this week’s AIG Women’s Open at Carnoustie Golf Links in Scotland.
Popov’s improbable win (she came into the event ranked 304th in the world with no status on the LPGA Tour) was a product of solid ball-striking and timely putting.