Julia López is leading the US Women’s Open after the first round. A round of 68 strokes and four under par. With a beaming smile, “fun” was the most repeated word by the Spaniard after her great round: “It was a very fun day, I enjoyed it a lot. I managed to hit many fairways, hit many greens, and keep the ball in play. I had a great time. It’s a course that suits my game and I feel like… I don’t know, it’s like a real golf course. It’s fun to play here, with the best players and with the crowd cheering. It’s great.”
The round from the player from Benahavís was near perfection without stumbling or making bogeys. Since leaving university less than ten months ago, it’s the first time she has completed 18 holes without a mistake. The perfect round at the perfect time: “It was my first bogey-free round since I turned professional. So it’s very exciting. I feel like things are starting to go in the right direction, and that gives me more confidence both in my game and in myself. I’m very excited about what’s coming for the rest of the week.”
She knows her long game gives her an edge that other players don’t have: “My distance helps me a lot, I can hit drives that allow me to then hit wedges that others might not,” Julia explains. There are various theories about the origin of her power: “I’ve heard people say that because I ride a motorcycle, I have strong forearms, and that’s why I hit it so far. Others say it’s because of my legs. I don’t know. I’ve been hitting it hard since I was young because I always competed with my coach to see who could hit it further. I think it just comes naturally to me.”
Reaching Wisconsin, she acknowledges it hasn’t been an easy season, with an appendicitis operation included: “Yes, it has definitely been a rollercoaster. Going through the surgery took quite a bit of recovery time, and also getting my distance and my game back. Once I got over that, I worked very hard. I started training and playing a lot. Everyone here trains a lot, so you have to keep up that pace. I felt I had to stay focused on my training, in my ‘bubble’, knowing that things happen, and just keep going. Now I feel like things are starting to fall into place because I’m more recovered and more motivated for what’s to come. It’s exciting to see.”
Erin Hills is a very challenging test, where minimising mistakes becomes one of the key factors: “I think what has returned is my consistency. At the beginning, the season was a bit chaotic due to the lack of rhythm, training, and because honestly, I didn’t quite feel in my place. But I think what has worked is regaining that consistency in my game and confidence in myself on the course. That’s what has made the difference.”
She knows there’s a real Everest ahead, so the recipe can only be: “Having fun and being patient is the key for these days. You don’t know where the wind is going to come from. Obviously, this gives me confidence for the rest of the week. But I’m also aware that it’s a very demanding course. Mistakes will be made. We’re not robots, even though we’re great players. What I’m going to do is keep being patient and, as long as I have control, that’s all I can do.”
