Stacey Keating off to fiery start at Lacoste Ladies Open De France 2012
Australian Stacey Keating got off to a fiery start at the Lacoste Ladies Open De France 2012, as she posted a 62 in the first round to grab an early lead.
The Lacoste Open De France is being played at Chantaco Golf Club, Aquitaine, France, featuring a competent line-up, however, Keating was capable of handling the ball well through the 18 holes as she reeled off nine birdies.
The Aussie star started her round quite confidently as she was determined to avoid bogeys. She launched three consecutive birdies on the first three holes and then parred the par-5 fourth.
Although Keating was not considered to be the strongest contender for the Ladies European Tour (LET) tournament, her strokes were calculated on Thursday and she made the most of favourable weather conditions on the course.
The LET star sent the crowd cheering again after she sank another two straight birdies on the difficult par-3 fifth and par-4 sixth.
On the back nine, Keating looked as stunning as she was at the start of the tournament. Although she faltered on some holes, overall, her sensible game kept her in contention. On the par-4 11th hole, she missed a putt as it sent the ball rolling past the hole, which gave Keating her first bogey.
However, the Aussie golfer was quick to atone for her mistake on the 11th hole, as she drained three consecutive birdies on the 15th, 16th and 17th hole, increasing the lead against her nearest rivals.
Sharing her thoughts at the end of the round, Keating said that she was thrilled after posting a big lead against her strong rivals.
The first-round leader is being trailed by four players who all scored a 66 each.
“I’ve been playing well the last few weeks obviously, but it’s nice to put it all together in one round,” Keating said. She added that the next rounds will be more crucial and she will have to stay focused on her natural game.
“I’m feeling very confident about my game right now and I’m happy where I am”.
Spanish Azahara Munoz, who appears to be in her best form right now, displayed a balanced game as she shared the second position.
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