THE LOU KID ON THE BLOCK
Duncan dazzles on her debut
SCOTTISH amateur sensation Louise Duncan was over the moon after moving to within a shot of the lead at the Women’s Open.
The 21-year-old Women’s Amateur champion carded an eagle and four birdies in a fourunder 68 at Carnoustie.
That left her tucked in just behind the leading trio of Olympic gold medallist Nelly Korda of America, Korean Sei Young Kim and Swede Madelene Sagstrom.
West Kilbride’s Duncan qualified for The Open last June when a record 9&8 final win saw her become the first Scot in 24 years to lift the Amateur title.
The Stirling University student looked right at home alongside the professionals as she got to two under through five holes yesterday.
She gave shots back at the seventh and 11th before a stunning three-hole burst of birdie, birdie, eagle from the 12th saw her soar up the leaderboard. Duncan, who closed with four solid pars to end the day tied with playing partner and 2018 Women’s Open winner Georgia Hall, said: “I had a lot of fun out there and wasn’t at all expecting to shoot 68, so I’m over the moon.
“I just took each shot as it came, didn’t get too ahead of myself and managed to keep it rolling, really.
“I was really nervous on the first tee and shaking with my heart rate up, so I was very surprised I actually made contact. The ball going straight was a bonus!
“I settled down about the eighth and then had a nice birdie at 12. “I thought my putt on 13 was going to be short and then again on 14. But it managed to fall in, so it was a great putt. I was really happy to finish off my round with four pars as it’s a tough finishing stretch.”
Nairn’s Kelsey MacDonald had the honour of hitting the opening tee shot but just three holes into the round, her group found themselves put on the clock.
To add unnecessary pressure, they were monitored for the rest of the way round as MacDonald posted a three-over 75.
However, MacDonald, who played alongside Chloe Williams from Wales and American Sarah Schmelzel, refused to identify the slow coach.
She said: “I know it wasn’t me, that’s all I am saying. But being put on the clock from the fourth hole was not ideal.”
Kylie Henry was the next best Scot behind Duncan with a 71, while Gemma Dryburgh carded a 76 and Solheim Cup skipper Catriona Matthew posted a 78.