Swedish starlet Caroline Hedwall

MURCIA, Spain — Sweden’s Caroline Hedwall established a three stroke lead after the second round of Ladies European Tour Final Qualifying School on Thursday.

Hedwall, 21, posted a two-under-par round of 71 on the North course at La Manga Club in Spain after Wednesday’s opening round of three-under 70 on the South Course.

The 2008 World Amateur champion finished on a five-under-par total ahead of Jaclyn Sweeney of the United States and Adriana Zwanck from Spain.

Sweeney fired second round of four-under 69 on the South Course, while Zwanck had a 71. Spain’s Belen Mozo and Stacey Keating from Australia were the only two other players under par overall.

Hedwall hit all 18 greens and said: “I played really well. I didn’t miss a single green so it was solid. I could have made a few more putts but I’m pretty pleased with how I played.”

She was level on the back nine after cancelling a bogey on 14 with a birdie on 15 but then made an eagle on the par-five third hole after hitting her three-wood to five metres and sinking the putt.

The two-time European Individual champion explained: “It was pretty windy when I teed off but they had the same conditions yesterday, the first groups. It was simple I think. I’m really solid from tee to green and I try to make as many putts as I can.”

The 2010 NCGA champion and Player of the Year is seeking one of the 30 full LET cards on offer this week after leading her field at the pre-qualifying stage.

As an amateur, she led Sweden to victory at the European Team Championships in 2008 and most recently at La Manga Club this summer.

She played on the Ladies European Tour at the Finnair Masters this year where she tied for eighth, before making the step up to the professional ranks on 29th October.

She has two more rounds to negotiate before the nerve-wracking fifth and final day on Sunday 19th December when the top 30 players will earn their full card for next season’s tour in category 8a.

After four rounds, there will be a cut to the leading 50 players and ties. Those in positions 31 to 50 and ties will earn an exemption status in category 9b with limited tournament starts.