Solheim superstar Caroline Hedwall (Sweden) is warming up for The Evian Championship next week by seizing the lead at The Helsingborg Open at the Vasatorp Golf Club in Helsingborg, Sweden.
Hedwall, the only player in Solheim history to go 5-0 in her matches, plays on both the LPGA and LET Tours. Currently holding the 25th world rank Hedwall, who turned pro in 2011, is having a hot 2013 season. She’s claimed 4 top-10 finishes and is looking for her first pro victory. The Helsingborg could be the one to take her to the top of the board!IK Kim (South Korea), an early favorite at The Helsingborg, fired off a string of birdies to take the 1st round lead on Thursday. The world ranked #10 player, who hasn’t scored a win since the 2010 Lorena Ochoa Open, went to the clubhouse with a bogie-free 65 on her card and a 1 shot lead over her closest challenger, Pernilla Lindberg (Sweden).
At that point Hedwall, who trailed by 4 shots, said of her 1st round performance:
"I hit 18 greens and had a lot of birdie chances out there and just made three of them. I’m happy with 69 and I think it’s a decent start."
Playing in windy conditions during the 2nd round, IK Kim struggled with her putting, carded even par, and fell back a bit. Valentine Derrey (France) claimed the lead with 68 on her card. Hedwall, who also struggled with the wind, stayed near the top of the board with a 70, 2 shots under par.
Mid-way through the 3rd round Hedwall is at the top of the board, leading IK Kim and Valentine Derrey by 3 shots and playing flawless golf. Lee-Anne Pace (South Africa), at 4 shots off the lead, remains in contention. Lindberg, now at -3, is holding a share of the 9th slot on the leaderboard.
With sunny skies, temperatures in the high 50s, and 20mph winds, golfing conditions Saturday and Sunday at Helsingborg will remain challenging. The Sunday round will be telecast internationally although not aired in the US. With the Solheim Cup overlooking the tournament, there’s no doubt that Caroline Hedwall hopes to take the Helsingborg victory and make this an over-the-top homecoming party!