A legendary links for the 42nd Ricoh Women's British Open

There is always a moment when Michelle Wie puts the tip of her (pretty) nose back. We left the ex-prodigy of world women's golf in pain at the last Women's US Open in mid-July in Bedminster, New Jersey. Forced to withdraw from the tournament at the start of the second round, with stiff neck problems. Capricious cervicals ...

It must be said that the day before, the American had been part of this group of players penalized by the pouring rain, the game interruptions and who had ended at night, mostly with cards already crippling to hope to shine in the tournament…

"I have to think about the rest of my season, not to compromise anything ..." pleaded Michelle on the set of an American television channel. With the prospect of the Solheim Cup in mid-August in Des Moines (Iowa), the argument was admissible. Especially since this champion of precocity, who participated in the US amateur at the age of 10, or who signed a 3rd place at the Ricoh Women's British Open when she was still only a 15 year old amateur , already has a long career behind her. A career full of injuries.

Injured at the US Open, recordwoman this Thursday at Kingbarns

The 27-year-old American woman no doubt made the right choice, that of renouncing the US Open on July 14. Because it was in top form that she attacked the fourth of the five Majors of the season, this Thursday August 3 at Kingsbarns. She even scored without delay the 42nd edition of the British Women's Open (but only the 17th edition as a Major).

With a card of 64 (-8), starred with nine birdies for a very small bogey, the native of Honolulu set the record for the ladies' course on the Scottish links. A fairly mythical site, with its fabulous views of the North Sea and the holding each year of the Dunhill Links Championship (European Men's Tour).

Kingsbarns is indeed, with Carnoustie and the Old Course of St Andrews, one of the three golf courses where this famous tournament is contested. Okay, Michelle Wie, who played in the morning with good weather conditions, may have been a little better off compared to golfers who were disturbed by two game stoppages due to thunderstorms in the afternoon. But that does not detract from the 64 record of the winner of the US Open in 2014.

English women inspired by “their” Major, more discreet French women

After this first round on Thursday, Michelle Wie beat South Korean In-Kyung Kim (65, -7) with one stroke and compatriot Lindy Duncan (66, -6) with two strokes. The day was also marked by the omnipresence of the British.

Mel Reid and Jodi Ewart Shadoff (67, -5) tied for fourth with three other players. While Dame Laura Davies, 4 years old on the clock and who is playing her 53th (!) Ricoh Women's British Open, indulged in the luxury of finishing provisional 37th (10, -68), tied with two other Englishmen, Georgia Hall and Charley Hull. A "vintage form" for Laura, to use the amusing expression of the English media.

At almost 39, the form remains good also for Karine Icher, 33rd with a card of 70 (-2). After four birdies in 1,9, 10 and 11, too bad a double bogey in par 3 n ° 14 slightly dampened its performance.

The other Frenchwoman present this week at Kingsbarns, Joanna Klatten, had a hectic first round. Four birdies, two bogeys, a double bogey and a triple… Card of 75 (+3) and provisional 122nd place for “Jo”. It will take a very nice Friday to pass the cut…

To know more : http://ricohwomensbritishopen.com/