This year's edition of the British Open is teeming with Swedish participants. Several of the names are ones we're used to seeing in major contexts. Linn Grant, Maja Stark, Madelene Sagström, and Anna Nordqvist are just a few of the total nine Swedes in the competition.
But one name we haven't seen much of is Louise Rydqvist, the 23-year-old amateur who received an invitation after winning the European Championship for amateurs earlier this year.
Despite her lack of routine, Rydqvist went out under the second round at the classic St Andrews in Scotland and delivered better than almost the entire starting field.
It feels completely surreal, actually, she says to Sportbladet.
Bogey-free – with a hired local caddie
The Swede played incredible golf and offered a bogey-free 67-round, five under par. A score that was the second-best for the entire day. Only American Caroline Inglis was better. With that, she climbed 43 places on the leaderboard, up to a shared fifth place at three under par.
And not enough with that. All this did the 23-year-old from Värnamo with a temporarily hired caddie from the area.
Yes, what's happening?! I just shot a bogey-free 67 out there. I'm incredibly happy and satisfied with the day. It's been incredibly fun and I've enjoyed every second, says Rydquist.
The Swede now has a grip on the absolute top and is five strokes behind the leader. But she faces tough competition in the top tier of the leaderboard.
I'll try to stay as calm as I can, but there's a lot going on in my head, of course. I'll eat and sleep well and hopefully come out tomorrow and do everything I can on the course.
World number one leads
World number one Nelly Korda leads, who got her game in order just in time for the year's final major tournament, at eight under par.
The American was completely dominant in the spring and racked up win after win on the LPGA tour. But during the summer, it's been tougher for Korda, who hasn't been in any top contention since May. Now she's back on top, and has created a small gap down to the closest pursuers.
In a shared second place are Charley Hull (England) and Lilia Vu (USA) at five under par, three strokes behind Korda.
Linnea Ström: +1 for the day, par total.
Maja Stark: +1 for the day, +2 total.
Johanna Gustavsson: +2 for the day, +3 total.
Linn Grant: -1 for the day, +4 total.
Madelene Sagström: -1 for the day, +5 total.
Lisa Pettersson: +2 for the day, +6 total.
Sara Kjellker: +5 for the day, +8 total.
Anna Nordqvist: +4 for the day, +11 total.
