Humphreys of England Takes Early Lead in Sweden

Lily May Humphreys, the highest ranked player in the field, sits atop the leaderboard after the first round of the eighth-annual ANNIKA Invitational Europe. Ideal weather conditions lead to great scoring at the tough Vasastorps Golf Club.

Humphreys, who recently won the Welsh Ladies Open Stroke Play Championship and Irish Women’s Stroke Play Championship, carded a 4-under-par 69 with only one bogey. “It was really good. I started off a bit edgy but made par and then I just played steady golf and didn't really miss a putt.” said Humphreys. “I'm hoping I'll just stay consistent and shoot under par when possible and hopefully, stay near the top."

Alizee Vidal of France, Hannah Darling of Scotland and Sara Ericsson of Sweden are all tied for second and one stroke back.

Four players sit two strokes back and tied for fifth, including Carolina Melgrati. Melgrati got off to a tough start with a bogey on No. 2 and triple bogey on No. 3. After making the turn at 3-over-par, the Italian fired a 32 on the back nine to vault up the leaderboard. Joining her in fifth is Min A Yoon, Paula Kirner and Nora Sundberg.

After the first round, the girls were treated to clinic with Annika and her swing coach, Henry Reis, where they shared some stories from her professional career and insights on technique as well as the mental side of the game.

Click here for second round tee times and live scoring.