Taiwan's Candie Kung holds the clubhouse lead after firing a seven-under-par 65 in the first round of the women's British Open at Turnberry.

Kung, who is celebrating her 21st birthday, is one shot ahead of Australia's Karrie Webb who shot a strong round of 66.

"But today I felt pretty close to my best and it feels good to shoot 66 and still know there is room for improvement," said Webb.

Defending champion Se Ri Pak of Korea and Germany's Elisabeth Esterl are also well placed on five under.

Six other players including early clubhouse leaders Carin Koch and Mi Hyun Kim and Scotland's Mhairi McKay finished the day on four under par.

In the clubhouse, McKay spoke of her delight.

"It was my best round over the course and I'm thrilled," she said.

"My own - and everyone else's - expectations were very high, and I didn't know how I would cope. But I'm really going to savour this moment."

Seven under Candie Kung (Tai)

Six under Karrie Webb (Aus)

Five under Elisabeth Esterl (Ger), Se Ri Pak (Kor)

Four under Carin Koch (Swe), Mi Hyun Kim (Kor), Federica Dassu (Ita), Emilee Klein(US), Rachel Teske (Aus), Mhairi McKay (Sco)