ISPS HANDA WOMEN'S SCOTTISH OPEN

July 23, 2026

Esther Henseleit

Dundonald Links

Quick Quotes

Q. Can you just talk about today's round?

ESTHER HENSELEIT: Yeah, overall pretty good day. It's tough out there to hit fairways and greens. So yeah just played pretty solid. Got some good lies in the rough every now can then. Definitely a couple highlights with my eagle on three and my chip-in on 13. Yeah, pretty happy.

Q. And can you just describe from your perspective the conditions this morning, what you experienced out there?

ESTHER HENSELEIT: Yeah, it's actually a true links this year. I feel like the last few years, we always had so much rain that it was playing pretty soft. But it's fast and firm out there. The wind is, I would say, the perfect amount for links golf. It's still very playable and you can plan your shots but you definitely have to think about it.

Yeah, had some solid contact and ball flight.

Q. What do you expect us to see in the afternoon?

ESTHER HENSELEIT: I would think it's only getting tougher. I haven't seen the forecast. So I don't know what the wind is going to do. But it's definitely going to get even firmer out there, and yeah, I'm pretty happy to be done for the day.

Q. And then a lot of golf you played in the lead-up to this, you played a couple extra rounds with friends and husband and everything like that. How have you prepared for this?

ESTHER HENSELEIT: Yeah, I love Scotland. So I always try to come out a few days early. Played Royal Troon and Turnberry and got my fix in for links golf with friends. I just love coming up here. We've had so much luck with the weather so far. So it's been great.

Q. And you obviously did very well here two years ago when you finished runner-up. Different condition slightly. But what do you like about this golf course?

ESTHER HENSELEIT: I kind of grew up playing in a lot of wind. I like playing in the wind. I think my ball-striking is my strength, and like controlling my golf ball, and yeah, that's kind of what it's all about when you play links golf.

I also like kind of being creative around the greens, and yeah, I guess us Europeans do grow up playing a lot more links golf than some of the Americans. Yeah, it's always nice to come back.

Q. And as one of the few players who have made an eagle today, just talk us through it. How did you make the most of that opportunity?

ESTHER HENSELEIT: The third I feel like is probably the easiest chance for an eagle today. But yeah, I hit a good drive. Only hit a 5-iron in. Struck it pretty good. Hit it to maybe 20 feet and that I had that putt. So pretty straightforward.