Alex Bonetti - photo coutesy of Tristan Jones photography

France`s Alex Bonetti and Englishwoman Charlotte Thomas both shot impressive 5 under par rounds of 68 today, and will take a 1 stroke lead into tomorrow’s final round of the Oatlands ALPG Pro-am at Oatlands Golf Club in Sydney’s West.
Both players played in the more favourable morning conditions, well before the strong northerly wind picked up and the thermometer began its rapid rise which peaked at 38 degrees celsius around 4pm.  

Lurking just a shot back at 4 under par is two-time Ladies European Tour winner Rebecca Artis, who looks to be returning to the kind of form that saw her take out stars like Lydia Ko, Suzann Pettersen and Caroline Hedwall when winning her two prestigious LET titles in 2014 and 2015. Artis by her own admission didn’t have a great 2016, the highlight of which was representing Australia at the International Crown partnering her idol Karrie Webb and the “dynamic duo” of Minjee Lee and Su Oh. Artis without doubt has the quality to go low on a course that sets up well for her game, and the leaders should keep one eye in the rear-view mirror for the Coonabarabran native.

A further shot back are Scotswoman Gemma Dryburgh and Englishwoman Sarah Jane Boyd, who both shot 3 under par rounds of 70.

With 20 players under par heading into tomorrow’s final round, and temperatures set to reach the 40 degree mark the event is wide open with many players still feeling like they are in there with a chance of lifting the trophy. The magnificent Oatlands layout certainly has a reputation for punishing bad shots, but it also has a history of rewarding quality ball-striking with some low numbers.

Tomorrow’s second and final round will start at Oatlands Golf Club from 7:30am, entry is free for spectators.

Full list of first round scores go to http://alpg.com.au/tournament.php?id=4817&pid=1150&sec=r

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