 Davies played conservative golf to great effect |
England's Laura Davies shot a seven-under-par round of 65 to take a one-shot lead after the first round of the women's Australian Open in Sydney. The veteran managed to go to the top of the leaderboard despite using her driver on only eight occasions.
A shot behind Davies is Valerie van Ryckeghem of Belgium with Mexican Lorena Ochoa, Australian rookie Rebecca Coakley and England's Alison Nicholas one stroke further back after 67s.
Australians Rachel Teske and Mardi Lunn, American Kelly Robbins, Iben Tinning of Denmark and former winner Sophie Gustafson of Sweden are tied on four under.
FIRST ROUND LEADERBOARD -7 L Davies (GB) -6 V van Ryckeghem (Bel) -5 L Ochoa (Mex); R Coakley (Aus); A Nicholas (GB) |
Defending champion Karrie Webb opened with a three-under 69 at Terrey Hills on a day when the best scores came from morning groups.
Since arriving in Australia earlier this month, Davies has been in strong form with a win at the ANZ Ladies Masters last week and second place - losing in a play-off - at the Players' Championship.
"I used a lot of irons on the tee today because with the wind I figured I didn't really need any extra length," said Davies.
"I hit driver when I needed it and irons when it was sensible and it worked perfectly - seven under in an Open is never a bad thing."
MMIX
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