Sara Byrne of Ireland is currently poised at the top of the Calatayud Ladies Open leaderboard, one stroke ahead going into the championship’s final day. Her skaeful performance in the second round at Gambito Golf Calatayud, scoring a four-under-par 68, has put her in a favorable position.
Byrne, a promising 23-year-old, showed her prowess at the Ladies European Tour Access event. She deftly struck five birdies, marred by a single bogey. Despite achieving three additional birdies at the opening of the back nine, they were slightly offset by three ensuing bogeys. Nevertheless, Byrne remained leading at nine-under, just clear of Tina Mazarino of Norway and Marine Griffaut of France by a single stroke.
Byrne expressed her satisfaction with her consistent play, admitting some struggles towards the end, but philosophically added, “that’s golf.” Now her focus is towards relaxation and conserving energy, as she is weary after several intensive weeks of play.
Having taken the lead, Byrne said, “I am unfazed. My aim is to maintain this mindset and aim to lower my score as much as possible”. Her goal for the tournament was to come and conquer, stating “It would be an excellent initiation into my professional career.”
Despite just switching to the professional ranks a month ago, Byrne did show her skills earlier this year when she remained undefeated at the Curtis Cup, as Great Britain & Ireland triumphed over the US in what’s considered the epitome of amateur women’s golf team matches.
Behind Byrne’s lead, Tina Mazarino of Norway and Marine Griffaut of France are locked in a second-place tie on eight-under-par. Annabel Wilson of Northern Ireland did share the top spot with Byrne on the first day, however, her performance faltered in the second round, sliding her far down the leaderboard with a score of 77.