Leonie Harm and Kim Metraux opened the LET finale with strong rounds, while Soenderby and Cheenglab set the early pace.
The Andalucía Costa del Sol Open de España, the season-ending event of the Ladies European Tour (LET), teed off on Thursday at Real Guadalhorce Club de Golf in Málaga, Spain. Alongside the tournament title, the race for the Order of Merit crown is also at stake. Singapore’s Shannon Tan, currently leading the season ranking, finished the first round at one under par, tied for 25th. England’s Mimi Rhodes, second in the standings, also carded a one-under-par round to share T25.
Denmark’s Smilla Tarning Soenderby and Thailand’s Trichat Cheenglab lead the field after both shot flawless 66s, each recording seven birdies. France’s Celine Herbin and Spain’s Luna Sobron Galmes trail closely in a tie for third after 67s. Herbin made an eagle on the 5th hole and added three birdies, while Galmes posted five birdies in a bogey-free round.
Kim Metraux and Leonie Harm in Top 5
Switzerland’s Kim Metraux and Germany’s Leonie Harm both opened with solid 68s to share fifth place with four others. Metraux tallied two birdies on the front nine and three more on the back, offset by a single bogey. Harm also made two birdies early but dropped a shot on the 8th. She rebounded with three birdies on the back nine to finish bogey-free. Harm remains 30th in the Order of Merit, while Metraux climbs to 39th.
Helen Briem, who entered the week ranked 8th in the Order of Merit, improved to 7th after a 71 put her at T25. Olivia Cowan from Saarland shot even par to sit T34 and moved up to 78th in the season standings.
Mixed Results for German Players
Other German players struggled on day one. Berlin’s Alexandra Försterling shot 73 to tie for 45th, while Patricia Isabel Schmidt finished two over par and sits T49. Laura Fünfstück endured a tough start with six bogeys and two birdies, placing her 71st. Fortunately, there is no cut this week. Fünfstück remains 22nd in the Order of Merit.