Putting key to Sagstrom charge

Madelene Sagstrom had no doubt what the key factor was as she surged into contention at the AIG Women’s Open with a second-round 65.

The Swede carded eight birdies in a superb performance that lifted her to seven-under for the Championship, just one behind leader In Gee Chun.

When asked what went especially well for her, Sagstrom simply replied: “Putting. Putting, putting, putting.”

She continued: “I did miss two quite short putts but I putted really, really well today. That helped my momentum.

“I was hitting it good enough to give myself some chances and keeping it in play. I didn't hit in the bunkers today, which helps out in links golf, but putting was the thing.

Sagstrom stormed up the leaderboard with four birdies in five holes from the fifth. Although dropped shots followed at the 10th and 14th, further gains at the 13th, 15th, 17th and 18th completed a fantastic day's work.

She is firmly in contention at the AIG Women’s Open for the second year in succession, having tied for second at Carnoustie last year when her putter proved similarly potent.

Yet she revealed she certainly was not a fan of links golf following a trip to the Women’s Amateur at Machynys Peninsula in 2013, the year Georgia Hall took the title.

“It was hate at first sight,” said Sagstrom. “Mega hate at first sight.

“I remember particularly well we played a Women’s Am in Wales and the weather was horrendous and I couldn't keep the ball low to save my life. I figured it out from there.

“This is my sixth season as a pro, so it's taken me a little bit of time. I think it's one of those very charming way of playing golf. It really just brings out all the creativity and you just have to really bring out all the tools that you have.”