The Andalucía Costa del Sol Open de España presented by Oysho got off to a strong start at Real Guadalhorce Club de Golf, highlighted by an excellent performance from the Spanish contingent. The standout of the day was Luna Sobrón, who carded a solid five-under to move into second place, tied with Céline Herbin and just one shot behind co-leaders Smilla Soenderby and Trichat Cheenglab (-6), both flawless through their opening two rounds.

Sobrón produced a bogey-free card after an assertive start from the first tee, posting four birdies on her opening nine (3, 4, 7 and 9). She maintained her composure on the back nine, added another birdie at the 12th, and closed with six consecutive pars to cap a performance that underscored her impressive season. “I was nervous at the start, but I managed to calm myself down. My putting work is really paying off,” the Balearic player said. She also highlighted the support of her caddie and partner, Álvaro Alonso. “He knows me extremely well, and having him this week is a luxury.” Sobrón encouraged fans to fill Guadalhorce: “The level of play is incredible and the course is in perfect condition.”

Spain’s strong start continued with Marta Martín, tied for fifth at four under after a highly consistent round, and defending champion Carlota Ciganda, who recovered from an opening bogey to post a respectable three-under, capped by a superb second shot into the 18th green. “There’s some pressure after winning last year, but I’m confident and really motivated to play at home,” the Navarrese golfer noted. Harang Lee, Nuria Iturrioz, Amaia Latorre, Teresa Toscano and Azahara Muñoz also produced promising rounds at two under, while amateurs Andrea Revuelta (Even) and Adriana García Terol (+1) delivered solid debuts against Europe’s best.

At the top of the leaderboard, Soenderby and Cheenglab set the pace at six under. The Dane split her six birdies evenly across both nines and joked afterward that she had predicted a six-under round earlier that morning. The Thai player, meanwhile, capped her day with three late birdies (15, 16 and 18) after putting in extensive work around the greens this week.

The opening day also delivered an unexpected twist in the Order of Merit race. Mimi Rhodes, raised in Sotogrande and vying for the European No. 1 spot, needs a top-three finish in Málaga to claim the season-long title but saw her chances hampered by a costly quintuple bogey at the 12th. Even so, she fought back to finish one under, keeping her hopes alive while Shannon Tan continues to hold the advantage.

With a strong Spanish presence in contention, the leaders within reach and a course that rewards bold and precise play, the second round at Guadalhorce promises high drama and significant movement atop the leaderboard.