Hull leads SA Women’s Open

The suspended first round of the Cell C South African Women’s Open was completed on Friday morning, with England’s Charley Hull claiming the lead with a four-under-par 68 at San Lameer Country Club.

Hull finished the round one stroke clear of England’s Rebecca Hudson and Germany’s Steffi Kirchmayr.

The round had to be suspended on Thursday because of heavy rain and a waterlogged course. Friday’s conditions have been equally challenging with gusting winds and more rain. Hull took the brunt of this as she resumed her round on the 11th hole.

“It was very windy out there. It was hard to stand up on some of the tee shots. And then the rain came down as well. I think we definitely had the hardest of the conditions, so I think four under was a good score out there. I’ll just keep steady this afternoon,” she said.

The second round is already underway.

Melissa Eaton leads the South African challenge with a first round of two-under-par 70. Lee-Anne Pace signed for a first round of one-under 71.

“I chipped really well and made all the crucial putts,” said Pace. “I hit some good shots out there and am just keeping it low in the wind all the time. I’m hitting my driver very straight and I’m relying on that a lot. I just want to stay in there this afternoon and give myself a chance on the weekend. You’ve just got to make the best of a bad situation and stay as close as possible to the lead.”

PHOTO CAPTION: England’s Charley Hull; credit: Justin Klusener.
Written by Michael Vlismas – Michael Vlismas Media