Four-Way Tie at Ladies Italian Open After Opening 67s
Noora Komulainen, Patricie Mackova, Casandra Alexander and Alexandra Försterling each opened with a 67 to share the Buccellati Ladies Italian Open lead at 5-under. Eleanor Givens is fifth at 4-under, while Alessandra Fanali is among a group two shots back after a 69. Komulainen and Mackova both made eagles during their rounds at Golf Club Milano.
The opening round in Monza produced a logjam at the top, with Komulainen, Mackova, Alexander and Försterling all carding 67. Komulainen finished on the par-five ninth after a long second and a roughly ten-metre eagle putt, while Mackova holed her approach from 64 metres at the par-four eleventh.
Alexander, the LET Order of Merit leader and recent Irish Open winner, mixed six birdies with one bogey. Försterling went out in 30 after six birdies on her first nine, then came back in 37. Givens stood fifth, one behind, and Fanali’s late eagle lifted her into a share of sixth. Justice Bosio also made the first hole-in-one, at the par-three 12th.
This leaderboard could boost visibility for the Ladies European Tour, especially with a home player in contention and a tight top group. Italian spectators and young golfers may find local representation and international stars more engaging, potentially increasing attendance or media interest over the weekend. The presence of a major circuit event near Monza may also reinforce the region's capacity to host elite sport, though any lasting social or economic effect would depend on attendance, coverage and future investment.