Martina Gillen and Danielle McVeigh started the first of five final qualifying rounds on a chilly day at La Manga Club Resort in Murcia, Spain on Wednesday which ended with Liebeli Elane Larienc of Greece setting the pace on 4 under after an opening round 69 – one shot ahead of Belen Mozo of Spain and Caroline Hedway of Sweden.
Martina Gillen of Team Ireland signed for a 76 after opening with a bogey on the first hole, which was then followed by a double on the par three second to make the turn in 41 shots. Then two birdies on the back nine – with only one bogey – offered a recovery of sorts for Gillen to finish in 36th place on 3 over par.
Danielle McVeigh opened with one shot worse - a double bogey - followed by a birdie on the second and then a bogey on 7 to reach turn in 39 – and 2 over par. But after the turn the run for home brought more trouble with four bogeys and a double on the 14th to finish the day with an 81 on 8 over par - and now four shots off the cut in 82nd place.
The first four rounds will be played over both the North and South Courses and the final round will be played on the South.
After five rounds (90 holes), the top 30 women will earn playing rights for 2011 in Category 8a while players finishing in positions 31-50 and ties will earn category 9b. Players who fail to make the 72 hole cut will be eligible for Membership in Category 11a.
