Charlie Hull takes a one-shot lead into the second day of individual competition in Tampa after a back-to-back 68 for eight under par.
The three-time LET winner went bogey-free while scoring birdies on holes one, nine, 11 and 17.
After topping the leaderboard, Hull spoke about his satisfaction with his performance despite the testing conditions.
“It was very windy, and it was actually quite difficult to put together, and quite difficult to install, but I managed to drill some clutch plates, so I was happy with that.
“I was hoping for some good weather, but it was quite difficult. I enjoy playing in the wind and I enjoy some challenges. I just focus on my game, but today I met Pia and Kelsey. Played with and Pia was in. All day looking for pins, she made a birdie for the last time and I was happy for her.
“I’m buzzing. It’s been a good Saturday so far, leading individually and joining the team and getting a personal best on my 5k run.”
Close behind, Germany’s Alexandra Försterling and Spain’s Carlota Segunda are tied for second on the leaderboard at seven under par.
Two-time LET winner Försterling followed up his opening round with a 67 (-5) of 70 (-2) to put himself in contention for a third title.
“I would say I’m really strong,” the German said.
“With the wind, it was playing a lot harder than yesterday, and you really have to grind out those birdies. I played really solid, I had three birdies and one bogey which is pretty consistent overall.”
“Depending on how the wind is, I’m guessing it will be faster than yesterday but hopefully less than today!” I think I have a good strategy for the course and I’m just going to put myself in good places and get some. Eat vegetables and enjoy.”
Defending champion Carlotta Segunda produced a round of 71 (-1) that included four birdies and three bogeys.
Segunda scored an impressive 66 in round one, giving himself a great chance to retain his title.
“I think under par is a good score today,” Siganda said.
“I knew if we were between seven and nine today, we’d have a chance tomorrow.” I tried to be really patient out there, it was very difficult to hit it close with the wind, but overall I am very happy and I am. Excited for tomorrow.
“I saw Charlie is there and she’s playing great, and she’s a top 10 player in the world, so I’ve got to push and make birdies because she’s going to make birdies. I like a challenge. Yes, I like to play. Against the best competition in the world and I’m ready to go there tomorrow and do my best.
The Aramco Team Series has four former individual champions at five under with Lexi Thompson, Manon de Rooy, Pia Babic and Roussin-Bouchard all placed well ahead of the final day.
Team Roussin-Bouchard wins
Team Roussin-Bouchard won the Aramco Team Series presented by PIF – Tampa with a winning score of 28 under par.
The quartet of Pauline Rosen-Bouchard, Céline Herbon, Meghan McLaren and amateur Lou Jean Omar Khalil were co-leaders after the first lap.
In strong and testing wind conditions, the team was four under through nine and then managed to go five under through the next eight holes.
As they went 18 under, Team Roussin-Bouchard was at 27-under-par with Team Hull and Team Hewson – who were already in the clubhouse – and it all came down to Khalil’s putt last.
With one stroke on the final hole, the amateur team was able to two-putt to win the event and captain Roussin-Bouchard defended his title.
“It’s just amazing, it’s an amazing feeling. It went out with a wind,” said captain Roussin-Bouchard.
“The truth is, it was all very stressful about those last two holes. It’s a team effort. LJ pushed us a lot on that last putt, but we’re proud of him and proud of the team. .”
Shawkin Khalil, who is part of the winning team for the second time, said: “We were down at some points today and it was because I was missing four and five feet, so a nervous breakdown on 18. was
“I’m glad it’s sunk in! Pauline, Cailin and Meghan have carried us through the years, keeping their vibe going. It’s always a pleasure to be part of the team.”
Team Hull and Team Hewson finished the tournament at 27-under-par after they both had a perfect second day at Feather Sound Country Club.
Quartet Alice Hewson, Emma Spitz, Hayley Davis and amateur Barry Hyde produced a final round of -12 to finish in T2.
Team Hull was led by Charlie Hull with Kelsey MacDonald, Pia Babnik and amateur Alexandra O’Loughlin charging up the leaderboard with an exceptional second day at 16-under par.
Team Hedwall and Team Peláez Trivino tied for fourth at 25-under-par with Team Law finishing sixth at -24, while Team Thompson and Team Forsterling were one shot further back.
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