LAFFAR SHINES ON DAY ONE

Charlotte Laffar, in just her 5th start of 2025 shone brightest on a glorious day at Dundonald Links.

With bright blue skies and still conditions, the early starters took full advantage of the conditions. Leona Maguire in the 2nd group off 10, holed out for eagle to take the early lead which she held for the majority of the day. She eventually signed for a bogey free -5, 67.

The marquee grouping of World Number 1 Nelly Korda, Fan favourite Charley Hull and Lottie Woad on professional debut drew the largest crowd on the Ayrshire Links, with big crowds making full use of the beautiful weather to get up close and watch some scintillating golf. As she has done over the last few tournaments, it was Woad who stole the show. 5 birdies in 11 holes saw Woad at the top of the Leaderboard, another birdie followed by the only blemish on the card at 17 saw Woad join Maguire on -5. Korda after a nervy opening 3 putt, showed signs of why she is World Number 1 with some exquisite driving and some lovely approach play, carding 7 birdies and 3 bogeys to sit 2 back at the end of Round 1. Hull, who was making her first start since WD at Evian through illness, showed glimpses of her love for the Ayrshire course and with 4 birdies and 3 bogeys signed for a -1 (71).

Rio Takeda and Nuria Iturrioz were the other two from the morning wave who made good of the beautiful conditions to sign for -5 (67). Takeda reeled off 6 birdies in 13 holes to bounce back from an early bogey to be in a strong position after Round 1. Iturrioz made 3 birdies either side with one blemish on her the 1st, her tenth to join the large group at the top.

 

The wind did begin to gust for the afternoon groupings and scoring to begin with was a bit tougher, until Charlotte Laffar set out. Making only her 6th start in 2025 and 6th since 2021 having taken time out to become a Mum, lit up Dundonald Links with 8 birdies and 2 bogeys, including a glorious 20ft putt on the 8th her 17th for birdie. Speaking after her round she said:

“I’ve got no pressure at all. Golf is a lot of people’s lives out here, but my children are my life. So this has become more of a working hobby I suppose you could say. I’ve just got to enjoy every moment.”

The afternoon wave saw a lot of players join the large crowds at -3 and -4 including defending Champion Lauren Coughlin (-3,69), Nanna Koerstz Madsen (-4, 68) and Emily Kristine Pedersen (-3, 69)

It’s set to be another perfect day for Golf on Scotland’s West coast, tickets are still available to buy here online and on the gate. Adults for £17, U23 £12 and U16 Free.

Full list of tee times for Round 2 can be found here