(Reuters) – American Ally Ewing took the lead with a strong performance in the first round of the Women’s British Open at the Walton Heath Golf Club on Thursday. Ewing finished the round at four-under, holding a one-shot lead over Lee Jeong-eun, Emily Pedersen, Perrine Delacour, Jaravee Boonchant, and Amy Yang, who were part of a six-way tie atop the leaderboard heading into the final three holes.
Ewing’s eagle on the 16th hole helped her distance herself from the pack. However, she remains cautious, acknowledging that there is still a long way to go until Sunday. “It’s great to put a good first round together, but in major championship golf, you can never really lose focus,” she said.
Charley Hull from England finished the opening round three shots behind Ewing, with a score of 71. The field remains highly competitive, with more than half of the players only separated by five strokes at the end of the first day.
Despite being among the early leaders, Japan’s Nasa Hataoka settled for a two-under 70. No player managed to finish the round without a bogey.
Ashleigh Buhai, the defending champion from South Africa, overcame an early setback with two bogeys to finish the round at 74, while Frenchwoman Celine Boutier, who secured victories at the Women’s Scottish Open and Evian Championship, also finished at 74.
The tournament continues with a high level of competitiveness, as players strive to make their mark and secure the coveted Women’s British Open title.
Reporting by Aadi Nair in Bengaluru and Tommy Lund in Gdansk; Editing by Ken Ferris
Credit: The Star : Sport Feed
