Bangkok: I shot a first round 71, one-under par in the Ladies European Tour’s $1 million Aramco Team Series – Bangkok, which was not too bad in the humid conditions to be in tied 21st place.
That is five shots behind the leader Thai player, Patty Tavatanakit.
I actually got sunburn today on the Thai Country Club! Can you believe I live in Dubai and still get sunburn?
The sun cream seems to wash off with all the humidity. Sorry, that is too much information already.
My arms are now red and sore, I just hope it all recovers overnight.
I am somewhat superstitious and had always planned to wear a green shirt tomorrow, not sure red arms and a green top is the greatest colour co-ordinated fashion statement!
I started off on hole 10 today and was out in 37, one over.
After the turn, I had a nice run of 3, 3 and 3 – birdie, par and eagle on holes 2, 3 and 4 (my 11, 12 and 13 holes), to get to 2 under par. I dropped a shot at the next and finished the round with pars.
I made eagle on the par five 4th hole, 456 yards long, the highlight of my round, with a driver, then a hybrid that went a little left and a holed chip from 20 yards.
In summary, I chipped well but missed a few putts that I would normally expect to make. We are playing preferred lies on the fairways within one scorecard length, and I took advantage of this a couple of times, especially when my ball came up against the collar of rough.
I have seen very little of Thailand since Saturday’s arrival, ironically, earlier in the week, we got on the road and visited another golf facility at CNX Golf, Bangkok, to get my old shafts fitted. CNX Golf work with the LPGA and were excellent and I got so well looked after by all their team.
My ARAMCO Team of Alison Hewson (78), Carly Booth (82), our Amateur Victor Green and myself must surely be in for a better day tomorrow, I hope so.
Our Amateur, American Victor Green is an NFL legend who played for the New York Jets in a starting position of Strong Safety. Victor plays off a 7.9 handicap and receives 5 shots in this best two score on each hole Team format. Victor has muscles on his muscles, but still plays a decent game of golf.
Tomorrow, we tee off at 9.40 am off Tee 1. It is the second and final round of the ARAMCO Team Event.
There will also be a cut after 36 holes to the top 60 pros and ties, for the pros last round of three, shootout on Saturday.
I am looking up the leaderboard and not down.
Stay positive and speak to you all tomorrow after the second round.
- Chiara Noja is a 16-year-old lady professional, born in Germany and now based in Dubai. She turned pro in 2021 and has played events on both the Ladies European Tour (LET) and LET Access Tour. Chiara represents Jumeirah Golf Estates, Dubai.
