An immensely tough first day at the 2024 Hero Women’s Indian Open ends with Sara Kouskova one shot clear on three-under par.
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The Czech star had a rollercoaster first seven holes on the back nine at DLF Golf & Country Club carding two birdies, a triple-bogey, an eagle and a bogey to eventually go out in even par.
After staying patient Kouskova would make birdies on the 3rd, 6th and 9th to take the lead and post the round of the day in Gurgaon.
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“The front nine was wild,” she explained. “I had to take an unplayable on 13 and made a triple bogey. But we were like, ‘ok, this is DLF,’ this is what can happen. We stayed very positive and almost laughed about how ridiculous it can be here.
“I then hit a really really good shot on 15. I thought it was a really good distance and it ended up pitching just short and going in the hole. I didn’t see it go in because it was behind the ridge. I heard a couple of cheers!
“It was lots of steady golf after that. We tried to play as confident as possible. It was needed. The course is playing really tough this year, but the condition is still spectacular. It’s just as it should be for a world class event like this. So it’s really enjoyable but really tough.
“I love it here in India. Last year was my first time and we have lots of good memories. I was able to secure my LET card here last year. So that was a happy memory.”
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In a tie for second on two-under par sit Spain’s Mireia Prat, France’s Perrine Delacour and England’s Florentyna Parker.
Prat was the only player to go under par in the morning with DLF’s narrow, undulating terrain proving a brutal test for the LET’s best.
“I’m very happy with the round,” she said. “I think finishing under par here is always a good round. I played very solid out there. I’m very happy. I missed a few very short birdie chances. But you have to be patient on this course. The greens are rolling very fast and they are firm.
“It’s a very good course. It’s always in good shape and the facilities are great. I like the food here, although the weather could be a little less hot! I’m going to keep playing with the same strategy tomorrow. Hitting greens and fairways. Having short clubs in is they key on the course. And having fun.”
Delacour, a winner this year at the Dormy Helsingborg Open, and Parker, a three-time winner on Tour would join the number late in the afternoon with some patient golf of their own.
Reflecting on the round, Parker said: “I played really solid. Had six birdies and hit some close shots. I’ve been coming in for so many years and usually the course beats me up! So it’s nice to go under-par at DLF.”
