Veteran Welsh golfer Lydia Hall has taken the final 2025 Ford Women’s NSW Open Regional Qualifying Event by the scruff of the neck, shooting a sensational bogey-free 8-under-par 64 in the opening round at Duntryleague in Orange.

Hall, who won the 2024 World Sand Greens Championship and the Dubbo Regional Qualifier earlier this year, wasted no time igniting her round, opening with a stunning eagle on the first hole on her way to a blistering front nine of 6-under 31.

Fresh off a well-deserved break after events in Dubbo and Bathurst – one that included a trip to the Blue Mountains and a birthday celebration – Hall was recharged and ready.

“We had a really good day off, and I just really enjoyed it out there today,” said Hall, who leads by four shots.

“The first few holes, I had short putts – a five-five-footer on the first, a four-footer on the second – and I hit really good bunker shots to save par and convert birdies.

“When you shoot 64, every part of your game has to be on point.”

While Hall already holds a spot in the upcoming Women’s NSW Open to be played at Wollongong Golf Club in March 2025, she remains laser-focused on maintaining her competitive edge.

“It’d mean the world to me to win again,” she said.

“I’m trying to move up the WPGA Order of Merit as much as possible.

“I just love coming out here to Australia, playing on these great courses. The greens today were unbelievable, which always helps.”

Hot on Hall’s heels, 19-year-old St Michael’s golfer Claire Shin sits second at 4-under-par.

Shin, who recently won the Wagga Wagga Regional Qualifier, returned to form after a wrist injury sidelined her for events in Dubbo and Bathurst.

“I took a week off, and it’s great to be back,” Shin said.

“Honestly, I’m feeling pretty casual, not much stress, just focusing on my golf and having fun.”

Shin also holds a spot in the 2025 Ford Women’s NSW Open so, like Hall, is embracing the experience and regular competitive golf.

“I wouldn’t mind winning, of course, but I’m just here to play freely and enjoy it with the other girls. It’ll be awesome either way.”

Behind Hall and Shin, the competition is heating up, with seven golfers tied at 2-under-par.

Play resumes at 8:15am on Tuesday morning with the final group teeing off at 10:05am.

Fans can catch all the excitement live-streamed on the Women’s NSW Open website and via the SEN App from 10am.

- Kassidy Rogan