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The ShopRite LPGA Classic has commenced with a surprise leader on top. Having toiled on the tour without a victory so far, 35-year-old Dani Holmqvist is the frontrunner at the Bay Course event at Seaview.

However, with three more rounds in store, a lot can happen over the course of the weekend. But how is Holmqvist gearing up her mentality for the upcoming battles?

LPGA Tour golfer shares secrets on preserving her momentum after round one lead

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The stage is set for Holmqvist to win her maiden LPGA Tour event, having made her first appearance back in 2014. Her whirlwind display included five birdies and an eagle, which raced her to a career-best 64.

Read more: 2023 ShopRite LPGA Classic: Power Rankings, Defending Champion, Prize Money and Other Details

Having been winless in her entire career on the tour, a lead at the event feels special for the Swedish international. “That’s what we all strive to do,” she said. “Some weeks you’re better than others, and some weeks you feel like you’re losing. So it’s fun to actually come up on top for you once. This game is tough, and just got to cherish the moments when you actually put together a good one.”

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At the end of Friday’s play, Holmqvist leads the event by a one-stroke margin. Topping the leaderboard at the initial rounds of an event is not new to the 35-year-old, who will be looking to learn from her past mistakes to emerge at the top this weekend.

 

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Has Holmqvist blown her chances after taking the lead at an LPGA event before?

The Swedish golfer hasn’t won the LPGA Tour yet, but she has relished time at the summit of the table before. Back in 2020, Holmqvist made heads turn with a significant performance that made her the solo leader at the Women’s British Open after the 36-hole mark.

At that point, the Swedish professional was the only player to score under par throughout the event. But the weekend turned cruel for the golfer, who fell back by a considerable margin to finish at seven-over par outside the top 20.

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Can Holmqvist quash her past demons to conquer the ShopRite Classic? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.

Watch this story | This LPGA star envies the PGA Tour