Local player Katherine Kirk was the surprise leader after day one at the ISPS Handa Women’s Australian Open, after firing an opening 8-under par, 65.
Local player Katherine Kirk was the surprise leader after day one at the ISPS Handa Women’s Australian Open, after firing an opening 8-under par, 65.
Kirk, a 14-year veteran, has been winless on the LPGA Tour since 2010, finishing 110th on the money list in 2016, but took advantage of ideal conditions in the morning at Royal Adelaide Golf Club to fire herself into contention.
Armed with a hot putter, she made birdies on four of the first five holes finishing with eight on the day, hitting 12 of 15 fairways.
“I had a lot of birdie chances. I think I hit maybe 16 greens, 15 greens, so that helps. But I had a couple of tap-ins too for birdie,” explained Kirk.
“There are low numbers to be had out there. There are a lot of birdie opportunities. I was just fortunate I got off to a good start and just kept the momentum going.”
Kirk will sleep on a two-shot lead over Min Lee, Chella Choi, Marissa Steen and Jane Park, all at 6-six under-par.
Brit Watch
Scotland's Michele Thomson is the leading Brit after day one at Royal Adelaide Golf Club. The Ellon native, who plays out of the Ladies European Tour, shot a six-under-par 67 to sit in T6, two shots off the lead.
Mel Reid struggled to match the form which saw her claim the Oates Vic Open last week after an opening 73 left her in T61, while Charley Hull, Charlotte Thomas, Laura Davies and Amy Boulden lie in T41 after one-under par 72s.
Credit- LPGA
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