Esther Henseleit posted a 2-under 70 during the early wave Thursday at the ISPS HANDA Women's Scottish Open, an eagle-fueled round that put the German in the mix early at Dundonald Links.

Jenny Shin holds the clubhouse lead at 6-under 66, with Henseleit and several others trailing as the afternoon groups continue to play. Henseleit's position on the leaderboard remains fluid until the second wave finishes, but her round is complete and firmly in red figures.

Henseleit opened with two pars before making her move on the par-5 third hole, rolling in a putt from roughly 20 feet for eagle after reaching the green in two. She added a birdie on the par-4 seventh hole to reach 3-under before a bogey on the eighth hole dropped her back to 2-under at the turn, where she posted a 34.

The back nine was steadier. Henseleit carded pars from Nos. 10 through 12 before a chip-in birdie on the par-4 13th hole pushed her back to 3-under. Four consecutive pars followed before a bogey on the par-5 18th hole closed out her round at 70.

"Yeah, overall pretty good day," Henseleit said. "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 and then. Definitely a couple highlights with my eagle on three and my chip-in on 13. Yeah, pretty happy."

The 27-year-old has a strong history at this event, finishing runner-up in 2024 and tying for second in 2023. She credited her links golf background for her comfort ono the course.

"I kind of grew up playing in a lot of wind," Henseleit said. "I think my ball-striking is my strength, and controlling my golf ball, and that's kind of what it's all about when you play links golf. I also like being creative around the greens, and I guess us Europeans do grow up playing a lot more links golf than some of the Americans. It's always nice to come back."

Henseleit has made eight cuts in 12 starts this season, recording four top-15 finishes, including a tie for ninth at the Ford Championship presented by Wild Horse Pass. Three rounds remain at Dundonald Links.

Esther Henseleit Opens with 2-Under 70 at 2026 ISPS HANDA Women's Scottish Open

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