Strong start for Samantha Bruce

Strong start for Samantha Bruce | Daily Tribune

Samantha Bruce, making just her third start on the Epson Tour, delivered a bogey-free three-under-par 68 in Thursday’s opening round of the Carlisle Arizona Women’s Golf Classic.

The 24-year-old Filipina rolled in three birdies to post her best round of the season, tying for 14th place — four shots off the pace set by Germany’s Sophia Popov.

Three other Filipinas — Dottie Ardina, Tomi Arejola and Pauline del Rosario — each carded even-par 72s.

The day featured hot putters in the morning and rising temperatures in the afternoon, turning up the heat both literally and figuratively as Popov signed her scorecard. The Heidelberg native went bogey-free over her first 18 holes at TPC Scottsdale’s Champions Course, firing five birdies and an eagle on the par-5 8th. Popov called her round “boring” — exactly the kind of steady day she loves on the course.

A veteran of the LPGA Tour, Popov said she’s been striking the ball well in recent weeks but hadn’t seen many putts fall — until now. A key advantage this week? She’s playing close to home, just 20 minutes away in Fountain Hills, Arizona.

“I pay a lot of attention to my nutrition, so when I’m on the road, we usually get Airbnbs so we can cook and know exactly what we’re eating,” Popov said. “But being home is the best. My meals don’t change, and I have my routine. On the road, every place is different, but at home, I know exactly what to expect.”

Popov, mother to almost-two-year-old Maya, smiled at the idea of lifting another trophy on Mother’s Day this Sunday. With 54 holes still to play, the 32-year-old is keeping her focus tight.

“Obviously, it would be a dream come true if that happens,” she said. “It’s in the back of my mind, but I’m trying not to think about it. I’m really just focusing on taking it day by day, swing by swing. I’ve been missing that lately — just being present. Being home already helps a lot. If I stay patient and take it one shot at a time, I know I have a good chance. Winning on Mother’s Day would be the perfect finish.”

Four players are right on her heels at six-under: Sophia Schubert, Liqi Zeng, Hailee Cooper and Melanie Green will all be looking to close the gap on Friday and solidify their spots above the cut line of top 60 and ties.