Barrett has not won an event for 14 years

The 37-year-old, who has not won a tournament since her rookie year in 1989, is one stroke clear of Anna-Jane Eathorne.

Defending champion Karrie Webb is among a group of nine players a shot furher back.

"I hit some real solid shots but my putting was definitely my best part," said Barrett.

First round leaders 67 - Tina Barrett (USA) 68 - AJ Eathorne (USA) 69 - Anna Acker-Macosko (USA), Soo Yun Kang (Kor), Mi Hyun Kim (Kor), Marianne Morris (USA), Grace Park (Kor), Amy Read (USA), Jennifer Rosales (Phi), Rachel Teske (USA), Karrie Webb (Aus)

"The last three (years) have been a bit of a struggle for me. Before that, I was pretty consistent and in contention a lot more.

"It's been a decent career. I'm definitely a veteran now."

Eathorne came home with three birdies in the last four holes at the Locust Hill course.

Along with Webb on three under were Rachel Teske, Marianne Morris, Grace Park, Jennifer Rosales, Anna Acker-Macosko, Amy Read and South Koreans Jimin Kang and Mi Hyun Kim.

Webb picked up three birdies in five holes on the back nine.

"I fault my concentration a little bit here and there but, all in all, as the year's gone on I've got a little more confidence with my game," she said.