The Bowra and O’Dea Classic commenced today at Royal Fremantle Golf Club attracting a strong field of homegrown and interstate talent. The course presented in immaculate condition and will prove a stern test for the ladies over the 72-hole competition.
The Bowra & O’Dea Classic has been dominated by interstate winners in recent years, but Royal Fremantle local Abbie Teasdale sits top of the table after the first two rounds. Teasdale, fresh from her recent victory at the English Women’s Amateur Championship looks strong with a two stroke lead over Queensland’s Rhianna Lewis and local talents Celine Chen and Kathryn Norris.
Although happy with the round Teasdale expressed some frustration with her finish, “I was four under through nine holes and just stuffed it up a bit on the back nine. Tomorrow I will improve my ball striking and confident I can do better.”
A strong start and the home course advantage should be a formidable combination and Teasdale will be tough competition to beat.
Brisbane local, Hannah Reeves easily had shot of the day. A hole in one on the par 3, 3rd hole arrived at just the right time coming off the back of a couple of poor holes.
Hole in one for Queensland’s Hannah Reeves on 3.
Reeves shared, “It was 6 iron, it looked good and it just slam dunked!”. An awesome way to make up lost ground on her way to an afternoon 75 that keeps her within striking distance of the leaders.
Queensland’s Godiva Kim snatched the first-round lead early in the game. Kim started slowly on both nines before flipping the switch. She came home strong birdying the last three holes on the front nine and two out of three on back nine to sign for a level par 73. She continued with a consistent second round of 77.
Kathryn Norris was the best placed Western Australian after the first round. Three bogeys, two birdies and plenty of pars resulted in a one over 74. Kathryn continued the day with a second solid round of 75 keeping her well in the hunt of Teasdale.
WA state squad members Amanda Gan and Celine Chen had solid morning rounds. Chen, well versed with the Fremantle turf, posted an even par 73 in the afternoon and booked her spot in the lead group tomorrow. Gan’s swing and smile are looking confident rolling into Day two.
Rhianna Lewis had a strong 36 holes starting with a 76 in the morning before warming up and posting an even par 73 in the afternoon. Her afternoon 18 comprised of five birdies and five bogeys.
The tournament will continue on Tuesday and Wednesday with morning rounds. Tomorrow the lead group of Abbie Teasdale, Kathryn Norris, Celine Chen and Rhianna Lewis will tee off at 7:54am.
The public are welcome to Royal Fremantle to watch some of Australia’s leading amateurs, and enjoy the clubs hospitality.
Click here to view the leaderboard.
