Cheyenne Woods has been under the radar lately, but she's actually been doing all the right things, career-wise. She's always been a golfer who takes a little while to get accustomed to the next level of competition she reaches, but once she gets her feet under her she rises quickly (see my previous posts on her amateur/collegiate career). So when she missed the cut last fall in LPGA Q-School, I wasn't that concerned. In fact, she turned right around and earned membership on the Ladies European Tour for 2013. She's been taking her time getting acclimated to competition and courses across the pond, languishing in 51st place on their Order of Merit through her 1st 7 starts (for more, see Brent Kelley's take at about.com golf).
Today, however, she fired a 64 in the opening round of the Open de Espana to take a 2-shot lead on Tania Elosegui, a 3-shot lead on Lee-Anne Pace, a 4-shot lead on Joanna Klatten, and a 5-shot lead on a slew of golfers, including money-list leader Gwladys Nocera. (By way of comparison, Melissa Reid and Ashleigh Simon opened with 70s, phenom Charley Hull with a 72, Carlota Ciganda with a 74, and Carin Koch with a 78.) A lot can happen in the next 54 holes, but it's always a good sign when a young golfer goes on a tear and makes 9 birdies in 17 holes. If Woods can prevail over an LET field of this caliber, it would give her career a huge boost and give her some great momentum heading into the Women's British Open (which she's already qualified for).
I'd love to see her build on that great round with some solid golf the rest of the tournament. Good luck, Cheyenne!
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