How Did Diksha Dagar Perform at the Hulencourt Women’s Open?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Diksha Dagar started her campaign with an even par score.
- She recorded three birdies and three bogeys.
- Rookie Avani Prashanth showed promise with a 1-under start.
- Leading the field is Kelsey Bennett with an impressive 67.
- The tournament is being held at Hulencourt for the first time.
Hulencourt (Belgium), June 12 (NationPress) Diksha Dagar, among the seven Indian players competing this week at the Hulencourt Women’s Open, kicked off her campaign with a steady even par 72 in the tournament's opening round held in Belgium. Diksha, who has displayed impressive form this season and ranks among the Top 10 in the Ladies European Tour’s Order of Merit, recorded three birdies and three bogeys during her round.
Starting on the back nine, she made a bogey on the 14th hole but rebounded to finish one-under after making birdies on the 16th and 18th. Despite a bogey on the second hole, she managed to remain under par with a birdie on the third. However, a bogey on the seventh hole, which was her 16th, capped her round at even par.
Rookie Avani Prashanth began strong at 1-under through her first seven holes, while Amandeep Drall, participating in her first LET event this season, and Sneha Singh, in her second event, each finished with a score of 2-over 74, placing them at T-67th, although their positions may vary as the round continues.
Tvesa Malik and Vani Kapoor both carded 76, placing them at T-106, while Hitaashee Bakshi struggled with a score of 79, putting her at T-128. All three players will need exceptional rounds in the second day to improve their standings.
Leading the tournament was Kelsey Bennett from Australia, who posted a remarkable 67 with nine birdies, two bogeys, and a double bogey on the fourth hole, which was her 13th hole. She started on the tenth with three birdies in her first four holes and finished strong with three birdies in her final three holes.
Three other players, Kylie Henry of Scotland, Nastasia Nadaud from France, and Lydia Hall of Wales, completed their first rounds with a score of 69. Helen Briem of Germany also finished at 3-under but still had nine holes left to play.
The 2024 LET Rookie of the Year, Briem, entered this week’s Hulencourt Women’s Open with boosted confidence following a strong runner-up finish at the Tenerife Ladies Open. This is the inaugural hosting of the tournament at Hulencourt.