Rookies Wilson and Byrne set the pace on LETAS in Spain

Sara Byrne and Annabel Wilson. Picture: LETAS

Rookie professionals Sara Byrne and Annabel Wilson share the lead on five-under-par after the first round of the Iberdrola Calatayud Ladies Open on the LET Access Series (LETAS) in Spain.

Fresh from her match-winning performances in the Curtis Cup, Byrne got off to an excellent start with a faultless front nine of five birdies before a steady back nine of one bogey and one birdie to card a 67.

“I got off to such a good start being five-under through nine; my foot came off the gas a little bit, unfortunately, on the back nine, but I still happy to play with solid golf all around,” the Douglas star said.

“The golf course is beautiful; the weather is gorgeous, and it’s a really good experience so far.”

 Byrne comes into this event having made two consecutive cuts on the LET at the La Sella Golf Open and the Lacoste Ladies Open de France, where she placed 41st and 28th, respectively.

“There is not a big difference in the standard between the LET and LETAS, showing that the tour is getting stronger and stronger, but obviously making those cuts gives me a lot of confidence, and I’m playing well,” added Byrne, who says her father and caddie Derek helps her have fun on the golf course.

“We’re coming off a long stretch together, so it is getting to the point where we do want a bit of a break, but it’s great fun with him,” added Byrne, who heads to the US for LET Final Qualifying next week.

“Tomorrow, I want to do the same thing. I’m being aggressive with the targets out there and I think that is important. It’s about giving myself the opportunity for some birdies.”

 Lurgan star Wilson got off to an even hotter start than her Irish colleague, carding two consecutive birdies on holes one and two before an eagle on the fourth.

With two more birdies on the front, two bogeys and a birdie on the back, Wilson heads into the second day as co-leader.

“I feel great. The front nine was amazing. I hit a lot of putts, and the back nine, I thought I felt I hit the ball better, but the putts didn’t drop, but overall, I’m happy,” the former UCLA star said. 

“I also have a fantastic group this week. I played with Nikki in Switzerland, and she’s lovely, and I know Gemma from amateur golf years ago, so we had loads of fun.”

Wilson is happy to see two Irish at the top of their game in the opening round.

“It’s amazing to see women’s golf in Ireland getting stronger and stronger. When I was growing up, there was maybe three or four, but now, we’ve got a great bunch coming through.

“We are all rooting for each other out here.”

It’s just over a year and a month since Wilson underwent ACL surgery, but she’s made an impressive return to the course this season, including turning professional at her home LET tournament.

“I needed the time to do a bit of work on my short game, and the injury forced me to do that.,” she said

“So far, I’m loving life as a professional. Golf is golf. It will always be the same, but all the extra stuff is great. I’m enjoying meeting lots of new people and the girls on tour, so far everything has been lovely.”

 The Netherlands’ Marit Harryvan and France’s Marine Griffau were tied for third on four-under-par.