Williams eyes birthday bonus after impressive start at Slaley Hall

Birthday fever is gripping Lucy Williams who could be in for an early present after establishing a commanding lead on the opening day of the Glenmuir WPGA Professional Championship.

The slightly-built soon-to-be 24-year-old, has opened up a five-stroke lead in the 36-hole tournament following a one-under-par 74 over the Hunting Course at De Vere Slaley Hall.

Mid Herts-based Williams, who at the weekend was watching today’s hottest pop acts at Wembley Stadium and is soon jetting off to Athens to celebrate her big day with her mom, could be in line for spending money to the tune of £1,000 if she can hold her rivals at bay.

Three-time winner Tracy Loveys (Bigbury) is her nearest contender after carding a four-over-par 79, with defending champion Alexandra Keighley (Huddersfield) a shot further back in third along with Rothley Park’s Katie Tebbet.

“I’m really happy with my score as I started poorly and was two-over through three and then I eagled four and that just gave me the momentum to start playing well,” reflected Williams.

Williams, a graduate of the Applied Golf Management Studies degree run by the PGA and the University of Birmingham, admitted she was getting to grips with life on the professional circuit having stayed an amateur after completing her studies. She showed her pedigree as she won the 2011 England Women’s Amateur Championship before turning professional.

Last week, Williams was in France, competing on the LETAS Tour before coming to Northumberland, as she continues her acclimatisation.

“I have been struggling playing in the pro tournaments and getting used to the pressure and playing for money,” she added.

“This is the first year I am actually trying to compete for money and I think I’m going to play in some lower ranked tournaments to get some momentum and get some good scores.

“That aside, I am enjoying playing it’s just weighing up the travelling side of it and the lifestyle of living out of a suitcase.”