Lee holds early lead but Hall is in contention at British Open
What happened on Thursday at the Women’s British Open?
Australia’s Minjee Lee holds the early advantage at the Ricoh Women’s British Open, but hopes of a home winner have been lifted as Georgia Hall fired an opening round of five-under-par at Royal Lytham & St Annes.
The 22-year-old, who finished third at last year’s British Open at Kingsbarns, hit her tee shot to within tap-in range at the par-3 opening hole to get off to the best possible start.
She then went on to birdie the par-5 sixth to go out in 33, and then made three birdies in a row on the back-nine on her way to a classy bogey-free 67 to sit just two shots adrift of Lee.
The Aussie, Lee, played some beautiful golf to pick up from where she left off last week when finishing runner-up at the Scottish Open.
The former world No.1 amateur made six birdies and an eagle thanks to an inspired long-range putting performance.
Japan’s Mamiko Higa’s round of 66 was enough to give her solo second spot, while Sung Hyun Park – the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship winner – matched Hall’s total of 67 alongside Teresa Lu, Mi Hyang Lee and Pornanong Phatlum
Other big names are lurking however; Lydia Ko posted four-under, while So Yeon Ryu, Brooke Henderson, Carlota Ciganda and Moriya Jutanugarn signed for three-under.
As for the British contingent, Florentyna Parker made a hole-in-one on the way to a 69, while Bronte Law, Cloe Frankish and Charley Hull all sit under-par after the opening round.
Unfortunately, American star Michelle Wie was forced to withdraw during her round citing wrist pain.
— Michelle Wie (@MichelleWieWest) August 2, 2018
Best quote
Georgia Hall:
I think there’s nothing like this and there’s nothing like a good day on a links golf course. It’s so beautiful to play, and I really enjoy links. I love hitting the ball low, and I think you can play so many different shots out here, and it’s great fun, so I love playing links.
Best moments
🦅
Safe to say @minjeegolf is ROLLING #RWBO pic.twitter.com/31L9fPt8Cn
— AIG Women’s Open (@AIGWomensOpen) August 2, 2018
Wait for it… wait for it…… @Minjeegolf leads alone at -5#RWBO pic.twitter.com/QqixseyCIB
— AIG Women’s Open (@AIGWomensOpen) August 2, 2018
Two inches too far to the right Georgia, good effort though 😉
… @georgiahall96 moves to -3 and T4 👌🏻#RWBO pic.twitter.com/zhljhFPcgT
— AIG Women’s Open (@AIGWomensOpen) August 2, 2018
Well this is one way to make par on 18! @shanshanfengCHN finishes her opening round with a 1-under 71 and is currently 3 off the lead @RICOHWomensBrit
Watch live coverage now @GolfChannel! pic.twitter.com/RBcsdnQTAl
— LPGA (@LPGA) August 2, 2018
🚨 HOLE IN ONE 🚨@floryparker just aced the 9th with an 8 iron from 140 yards! That's £2,000 to @ARUKnews via @ricoheurope's Printed Memories Programme! 🎉 #RWBO pic.twitter.com/GepgPFrNq9
— AIG Women’s Open (@AIGWomensOpen) August 2, 2018
