Bennett Blazes Ahead in Belgium
Birdie-fuelled 67 lifts Aussie to early lead at Hulencourt Women’s Open
seoul, Korea - Australia’s Kelsey Bennett set the pace with a sizzling five-under-par 67 in Thursday’s opening round of the Hulencourt Women’s Open in Belgium.
Starting from the 10th tee, Bennett poured in nine birdies—despite two bogeys and a double—using a bold strategy to attack pin positions on a gusty afternoon. Her caddie’s presence, she said, was crucial: “We really talked through shots. It pulled off.”
Bennett, 25, is eyeing her maiden LET title after three top-10s this season, including a T3 at the Investec SA Women’s Open. Her early charge is a signal of confidence—and perhaps a breakthrough looming.
India’s rising star Avani Prashanth and Germany’s Helen Briem trail by one, each carding 68s. The 18-year-old Prashanth credited her putting: “I love quick greens. I was reading everything perfectly today.” She’s aiming to stay aggressive and avoid “safe golf” on Friday.
Briem, the 2024 Rookie of the Year, overcame the Belgian heat and holed an eagle at the ninth—her first of the season. “It gave me real momentum. I’m happy with the way I hung in.”
Just a shot further back are four players on 69, including Scotland’s Kylie Henry. “It was windy, tough, but I stayed patient,” said the 38-year-old. “I feel like my game’s the best it’s been—just waiting for results to show.”
Six more players are bunched at two-under, keeping the leaderboard tight going into Friday.
With round two beginning at 8:10am local time, Hulencourt promises more drama—and perhaps a new star rising.