By Gareth James
Lydia Hall reckons changes she made to her game during lockdown is beginning to pay off at the $1million Aramco Saudi Ladies International.
The Bridgend golfer was lying second on six under – just one shot off the lead held by namesake Georgia who shot a course record 65.
The tournament at the Royal Greens Golf & Country Club on the Red Sea Coast near Jeddah is the first professional ladies event held in the kingdom.
“There was definitely an advantage starting on ten this morning, there wasn’t much wind and it’s picking up now,” said the 32-year-old who birdied her first two holes.
“It was nice to get out, post a score and see two Hall’s at the top.”
Fast start by @LydiaHallGolf -3 thru 4 holes @SaudiLadiesIntl 🔥 #SaudiLadiesIntl | #RaiseOurGame pic.twitter.com/NogfGwkd7r
— Ladies European Tour (@LETgolf) November 12, 2020
Hall, whose only LET title came at the British Masters in 2012, finished 38th at last week’s Dubai Moonlight Classic having made a few changes to her game during lockdown.
“I’ve made a few swing changes in lockdown and played terribly in Scotland, the worst I have played for a very long time,” added Hall, who was 143rd at the Scottish Open in August.
“I re-evaluated after that and continued doing what I know, what my swing does and I managed my game.
“Last week I struggled with the lights and the grain but it was nice to read the putts this week and if I start them on line, they go in.”
Hall is one of four Welsh players in the 110-strong field making history in Saudi Arabia.
Wrexham’s Chloe Williams finished +3 having been -3 with four holes left. The 25-year-old is competing in only her ninth LET tour event.
Abergavenny’s Becky Morgan is +3 with Amy Boulden, who bagged her maiden LET tour title in Switzerland this year, on +6.