ADT LEADERBOARD -3 Laura Diaz (US) -2 Lorie Kane (Can) -1 Meg Mallon (US) Level Michele Redman (US) +1 Laura Davies (GBR), Sophie Gustafson (Swe), Pat Hurst (US), Se Ri Pak (Kor), Karrie Webb (Aus)

The American is one shot ahead of Canada's Lorie Kane, with Meg Mallon a further shot back in third after a windy opening day at the Trump International Golf Club.

Diaz was partnered with close friend Heather Bowie and believed the pairing helped her produce her best form after an injury-plagued season.

"It's different being out there with your best friend," said Diaz.

"It's important to me that she play well and it's important to me that I play well. We just went out there and tried to have a good time.

At least I'm still in the thick of it Britain's Laura Davies

"It's been a real mental challenge for me because I have seen my hard work pay off, and this year, I can't work as hard because I'm in pain with my ankle."

Britain's Laura Davies is one of five players tied for fifth place at one-over, after she dropped four shots in the final six holes.

Davies made four birdies in the first eight holes, but a double-bogey at the 13th halted her momentum.

"It was very tough with so much wind out there," said Davies.

"It's always a little disappointing to start so well and then finish badly, but at least I'm still in the thick of it."

Defending champion Annika Sorenstam had to settle for a 74 after picking up an eye infection and playing the entire round without a contact lens in her right eye.

"I couldn't read any putts all day," said Sorenstam.