Cara Freeman gets off to sensible start at Capital Hills
American Cara Freeman, who finished tied for the fourth position at the Florida’s Natural Charity Classic 2012, made a sensible start at the Credit Union Challenge 2012 as she posted a 66 in the first round to grab the third spot on the leaderboard.
The Credit Union Challenge, which is staged under the auspices of the Symetra Tour tournament, is being held at Capital Hills, Albany, featuring most of the prominent names from the Tour.
The American star, who was brimming with confidence when she entered the course on Friday morning, looked more than happy after she outrivaled most of the favourite contenders like defending champion Sydnee Michaels of the United States and others.
However, she faced a tough time from South Korean Misun Cho and English Olivia Jordan-Higgins, who shot a 64 and 65 respectively. Cho managed to take the first-round lead while Higgins is standing at the second position.
Freeman kicked off the round in grand style as she drained a birdie on the very first hole. She parred the next hole and carded another birdie on the par-4 third hole. The weather conditions were calm and did not trouble any player.
Analysts said that the first-round results cannot determine the winner of the tournament, as the picture will get clearer in the second round. With most of favourite contenders struggling outside the top 20, it has become crucial for the underdogs to step up pressure on rivals by avoiding lapses.
Freeman’s performance was appreciated by the spectators, as she made no bogey. However, she missed some good opportunities to score more birdies on some of the holes on the back nine.
American Calle Nielson, Nicole Jeray, Tzu-Chi Lin, Rachel Connor and Peiyun Chien posted a 67 each to tie for the fourth position on the leaderboard.
Commentators said that given the stats of the first round, players appear to be putting their best feet forward in order to win an LPGA (Ladies Professional Golf Association) Tour card. The winner of the tournament will automatically be eligible to find a spot in the LPGA roster—something motivating players to do their best.
Sydnee Michaels, who is defending her title, registered a 69 to tie for the 25th position on the leaderboard.
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