2020 Olympics - Women's R1
August 04-07
Kasumigaseki CC, Saitama, Japan
Round 2, Round 3, Round 4

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

Sweden's Madelene Sagstrom opened with a bogey-free 66 to take a one shot lead in the Olympic Women's Golf competition at Kasumigaseki Country Club.

She started her round with a birdie on the first hole, followed by consecutive birdies on the 5th and 6th then two more at the 9th and 10th to reach 5-under.

2020 Olympics - Women's R1

“I would say mostly the short game was kind of my saviour. I was striking the ball alright but not great, so having a strong short game and just giving myself chances – solid par chances was the key to my round today.

“This course is beautiful. The condition of it has been perfect from the start. I like long golf courses in general and it fits my game really well. I'm very excited with the layout, it suits my eye, and the greens are rolling phenomenal which works with my putting too.”

2020 Olympics - Women's R1

World number one Nelly Korda of the USA and India's Aditi Ashok share second place after both shot 67s.

“I'm hoping I'm in total control, it's golf at the end of the day," said Kora. "I kind of sprayed some shots out to the right on my last two holes with my irons, but you're going to have that. You're going to lose a little bit of concentration, but I'm going to go to the range after I cool off inside for a bit and then try and work on it.”

2020 Olympics - Women's R1

Ashok is competing at her second Olympic Games having made her debut in 2016..

“Last time I think it was more just enjoying the experience and staying at the village, seeing all the other athletes, but this time I think I'm definitely here to have a good finish, hopefully give my best, try and win a medal.

“I think having played the Olympics once definitely gets you more prepared, you're still not as overawed by it. I mean it's still the Olympics, it's still really exciting but definitely more prepared for this one.”

Finland's Matilda Castren, Spain's Carlota Ciganda and South Korea's Jin Young Ko are tied in fourth place at 3-under.

2020 Olympics - Women's R1