Carmen Alonso has never won a Ladies European Tour event with two runner-up finishes the highlight of her golfing CV but after a superb second round of 65, she will be hoping it’s finally her time to storm through the door in a country she loves.
The KPMG Women’s Irish Open is back on the schedule after a ten year hiatus and Alonso at 38, can just about remember the last edition in Killeen Castle.
“Yes, I played but it was a long time ago. I’m getting old. I don’t remember too much but I think it was a really, really good golf course, a long course,” said the Valladolid native who is currently tied for the lead at ten-under.
“Everything about Ireland is good. I like to compete here. I love to do what I’m doing so to be on a golf course, for me it’s perfect.”
“On the tour? Never won. I finished second two times,” added the Spaniard who has two top-10 finishes and three top-20 placings this season.
Having been impressed with Killeen Castle a decade ago, Alonso has found another Irish golf course to be to her liking and it would be a fitting place to notch her maiden tour win in Dromoland Castle.
“I’m not thinking about it. I’m thinking to be on the first tee, hit a really good shot and keep going every single shot.
“The course is in fantastic shape and the par fives are reachable so it’s good for me. And the greens are always, always impressive so we are really happy for that because not every week is the same.
“So I’m happy and thank you to the greenkeepers because they are doing a really great job to present a course like this.”
Alonso carded six birdies and a bogey but the highlight of her round was an eagle on the par-5 18th which was her 9th hole of the day as she reduced the hole to a drive and six iron from 168 yards.
“I hit driver, six iron and then a nine-metre putt. The six iron was 168 metres. Big six iron.
“What can I say, I’m very happy with the round and really happy with my caddie because she saw the lines today. I’m joking. She’s always doing a great job.
“Today was a little bit tough because it was raining sometimes but we’re in September in Ireland, happy to be here, sometimes it’s sunny… perfect.”
Alonso is tied at the top with Smilla Tarning Soenderby of Denmark while fellow big hitter Anne Van Dam of the Netherlands is a shot further back on –9 and big hitting was the key today with the course playing slightly longer with some wind and cooler temperatures.
“Yes. I really like the course. I can reach the par fives, I’m hitting long and the putter is doing well so let’s see what is going to happen over the next two days.”
- Full scoring HERE
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