Date: January 27, 2012
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NSW Ladies lead the charge

At the end of the 1st Round of the 2012 tournament, two ladies from NSW lead the way. Karen Lunn, who was out in the early part of the day, recorded a fine 68 and she has been joined by Rachel Bailey, who after bogeying the 1st hole, snared 5 birdies on her way to an equal share of the lead. 2011 runner up and winner of last week&aposs Australian Amateur title, Lydia Ko (New Zealand) started the tournament well with a 3 under 69 – her only blemish coming at the Par 5 15th where she took bogey. 5 other players also sit at 3 under including Marianne Skarpnord (Norway), Nikki Garrett, Stephanie Na, Stacey Keating and Korean Hae-Rym Kim. Garrett and Na both recorded eagles – Garrett at the 4th and Na at the 13th. With another round before the cut, and with 30 players within 4 shots of the lead, there is sure to be some exciting golf in Round 2. Whilst the rain clouds hung around for most of the day, it was the wind which came up during the mid afternoon which affected players scores later in the day. Weather for the weekend is expected to improve slightly, so fingers are crossed that the rain stays away. Go to www.womensnswopen.com.au