Hall relishing tougher Carnoustie conditions after solid Women's Open display

By Ben Parsons at Carnoustie

Georgia Hall believes she can flourish in testing weekend conditions after firing a second round 69 at the AIG Women’s Open.

The former champion is finely poised at seven-under after carding six birdies on another impressive day at Carnoustie.

But benign conditions on the Argus coast have made for low scoring and the famous links course has not been able to live up to its ‘Carnasty’ reputation.

Links specialist Hall is hoping for fiercer conditions on the weekend and believes the forecasted rain and a possible slight increase in wind could give her an advantage on an elite field.

"I'd like to think it can,” she said when asked if a turn in weather would give her an edge.

“Especially a lot of the Americans and other players, they don't play in the wind quite as much but at the same time they are extremely good golfers.

“I've just got to control my ball flight and see how windy it gets but I'm sure it will be quite windy.

“It's proper links golf; that's what people want to see and I think it makes golf much more interesting when there's a lot of wind, so I'm quite excited to play in it.

"Obviously it makes it a lot harder but I think it will be a true test.”

Hall played alongside Amateur champion and home favourite Louise Duncan, who shot a resilient 73 to finish on three-under par for the tournament.

Duncan, 21, has shone in her major debut and Hall sees similarities between her unassuming style and the young Scot.

“I think she's a lot like me, quite quiet, just let's her golf do the talking,” she added.

“She's a very natural golfer. She just goes up and hits it which I think is a lot like me, too. She's an amazing talent and it was really nice to play with her.”

Duncan, who is considering turning professional after the tournament, loved the experience of playing with accomplished star Hall.

“It was great. I couldn't have got a better draw with Georgia and Megan (Khang)," she said.“They were both lovely and Georgia made me feel at home and comfortable.

“At the end she was telling me some really nice things so I’ll carry those with me.”