Australian Stacey Keating opened with an eight under par 62 in ideal conditions to grab a four shot lead at the Lacoste Ladies Open de France on Thursday. The 26-year-old from Cressy in Victoria continued her solid play, starting with three birdies in a row and was six under through the turn at Chantaco Golf Club.
Chantaco, steeped in history, is the home club of the Lacoste family where former US Women’s Open champion, Catherine Lacoste, was president for 35 years before her niece, Camille, took over the role in 2009. The Lacoste sponsored players performed particularly well with Azahara Muñoz of Spain and French duo Virginie Lagoutte-Clement and Sophie Giquel-Bettan all at four under par, alongside Lydia Hall of Wales.
Retired former number one Lorena Ochoa, playing at the request of the sponsor, shot a one-under round of 69. Ochoa won two majors among 27 victories before retiring from full-time golf in April 2010 to focus on her family and charities.
The second round begins at 9am on Friday, after which there will be a halfway cut from the field of 78 players to the leading 50 professionals and those tied. Available material includes highlights and interviews with players.