Kirk in front in Adelaide
Katherine Kirk has a two-shot lead after the opening round of the LPGA’s ISPS Handa Women’s Australian Open on Thursday.
The Australian fired a superb eight-under-par 65 around the Royal Adelaide Golf Club to finish two strokes ahead of Min lee, Chella Choi Marissa Steen and Jane Park who all shot 67s.
Kirk, who is looking for her first win on the LPGA Tour since 2010, rolled in four birdies on the front nine and four on the back for a flawless round.
"I had a lot of birdie chances," said the 34-year-old after the round.
"I think I hit maybe 16 greens, 15 greens, so that helps. But I had a couple of tap-ins too for birdie. 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."
Further down the leaderboard, former US women’s Open winner Michelle Wie is five shots off the pace in T17 while defending champion Haru Nomura struggled, carding a two over 75.
Latest
-
NewsRory McIlroy makes brilliant start to fog-affected Abu Dhabi Championship
McIlroy has a remarkable record in Abu Dhabi with four second-place finishes.
-
NewsRory McIlroy shines in Abu Dhabi to take first-round lead following flawless 64
McIlroy has a remarkable record in Abu Dhabi with four second-place finishes, three thirds and a fifth in his last nine starts, but has never won.
-
NewsJustin Thomas on end of Ralph Lauren deal: ‘They moved on so that’s what I’m doing as well’
Justin Thomas said he was upset by...
-
NewsMy last win feels a long time ago – Rory McIlroy aiming to start year on a high
McIlroy has not tasted victory since November 2019.
-
NewsRory McIlroy insists Justin Thomas will ‘try to be better’ after homophobic slur
World number three Thomas was heard using a derogatory word towards himself after missing a par putt in Hawaii.
-
NewsRory McIlroy sad to miss Conor McGregor fight
Rory McIlroy has been to UFC star Conor Mcgregor’s last three fights but will miss Saturday’s clash due to European Tour commitments.
-
NewsRory McIlroy backs Tiger Woods to make quick recovery from latest back surgery
McIlroy expects the American to be fit for the Masters in April.
-
NewsTiger Woods focusing on return to PGA Tour after undergoing fifth back operation
The 45-year-old will miss the Farmers Insurance Open and the Genesis Invitational.
-
NewsLee Westwood resumes bid for record-equalling 11th Ryder Cup appearance
The 47-year-old occupied one of the automatic places in the team before the golf was stopped due to Covid-19.
-
NewsSolheim Cup captain Catriona Matthew turns to Golfer’s CBD in pursuit of further success
Solheim Cup captain Catriona Matthew believes Golfer’s CBD could play a vital role in her future success.