Indian Open: Birdie binge carries Hedwall through to third spot in second round
Swedish Caroline Hedwall rattled off nine birdies and one eagle in the second round of the ongoing Hero Women’s Indian Open 2012.
Hedwall displayed a stellar performance on Saturday, as she shot a 62 to improve her position to the third on the leaderboard.
Hedwall is defending her title in the three-round Ladies European Tour (LET) tournament at DLF Golf & Country Club, India, but she had to face a stiff competition in the first round on Friday as she carded a 76.
She was standing at the 47th position at the end of the opening round, but she was quick to regain her composure on Saturday, pulling herself together and posting the biggest score of the round.
The Swedish star started the second round on the back nine and shot a birdie on the 10th hole. She could not keep a grip on her putter as she missed a par-putt on the difficult par-3 11th and ended up carding her first bogey.
The defending champion then ramped up pressure on rivals as she reeled off three straight birdies on the 12th, 13th and 14th, bringing a significant increase in her overall score. She once again showed a superb short game on the greens of 17th and launched her fifth birdie of the round.
On the front nine, Hedwall remained fiery as she posted back-to-back birdies on the second and third hole. After parring 4th and 5th, she swung into action once again and shot an eagle on the very next hole.
A birdie binge and an eagle did the trick, putting Hedwall in the spotlight. She drained another two straight birdies on the 7th and 8th hole, finishing the round on a promising note.
Two-time winner of the tournament, Pornanong Phatlum of Thailand and Australian Bree Arthur shot a 65 and 67 respectively on Saturday to share a lead.
Phatlum is being regarded as the hot favourite for the coveted title, as she has a vast experience of the course and Indian weather conditions. However, she may face tough resistance from the defending champion who has already stepped up her campaign.
English Laura Davies, who won the 2010 edition of the tournament, shot a 69 in the second round.
Tags: