Diaz dazzles at Scandinavian TPC
BY iseekgolf.com | Ladies European Tour | 2007 Scandinavian TPC hosted by Annika | Round Two | 11 Aug 2007
American Laura Diaz was one of just two players to shoot successive sub par rounds as she took the second-day lead at the Scandinavian TPC Hosted by Annika.
Diaz added a two-under-par 70 to her opening round of 69 to lead by one stroke on five-under-par 139.
Compatriot Brittany Lincicome – the only other player to beat par twice this week – posted a three-under 69 to finish on four-under-par for 36 holes.
France’s Jade Schaeffer and Swedish amateur Caroline Hedwall both carded level par 72s and remained on two-under-par They shared third place with Spaniard Paula Marti, who shot a three-under-par 69.
Norwegian Suzann Pettersen, who is sixth in the Rolex World Rankings, squeezed six birdies and two bogeys into her round of 68 to share sixth place on one-under with Swede Louise Stahle.
Sweden’s Sophie Gustafson and first round leader Minea Blomqvist from Finland shared eighth place on level-par.
Blomqvist began the day at four-under, but four bogeys in five holes sent her plummeting down the leader board, although she remains one of just nine players at level or better.
Annika Sorenstam, the defending champion, dropped down the field after three bogeys sent her to two-over-par overall and seven strokes behind the leader. She shares 14th place with the Northern Ireland Ladies Open champion Lisa Hall Of England and eight other players.
Diaz, 32, was a member of the US Solheim Cup Team in 2003 which was also held at Barseback G&CC. She looked as though the overnight rainfall was going to affect her game after carding a bogey on the par-three fourth hole.
But she recovered with four birdies and just one more bogey to become the early clubhouse leader.
“I think that I am keeping it in the right positions even when I’m missing a fairway I’m giving myself a shot of the green,” said the two-time LPGA tournament winner. “I just think that if you can get yourself in a good position to go at the green you’ve got big chance to make the putt because the greens are rolling so nicely.
“I think the greens are perfect and we had really nice weather to play this morning. Overall, I’m pleased with the day but I always leave the golf course wishing I had made a couple more putts.”
In contrast, 21-year-old Lincicome was delighted with her putting, but admitted that her driving was proving costly.
“I had a rough start there. I think I only hit four fairways all day so I think we’re going to go back to the range,” she said. “The putter really saved me today so it was good to get a couple back at the end.”
Schaeffer, who turned 21 last month and who hails from Strasbourg, was happy to be in contention heading into the weekend.
“I have a good time tomorrow, not too early, so I’m happy,” said the first year Ladies European Tour player. “Today was good. I had to fight. It’s my first year here and I want to play good. My objective is not the position, it’s the score. I want to have a good feeling.”
A total of 60 professionals and ties will head into the weekend.
Only four Australasians made it through to the weekend including Karen Lunn T29, Leah Hart T40 and Kiwi Lynn Brooky, who shares 59th place with Shani Waugh at +6.
Source – LET
