Record-breaking Wie fires first warning shots at Kingsbarns
An opening 64, which is a new women’s course record at Kingsbarns, helped Michelle Wie take advantage of the early conditions to lead by one shot on the opening day of the Women’s British Open.
The 27-year-old recorded her only bogey of the day at the 2nd hole after what she called a “skulled” lob shot.
Wie later admitted that the dropped shot fired her up and she rolled home three birdies before the turn before an astonishing run of six birdies in her final eight holes saw her edge the course record by one.
“I had a lot of fun today,” Wie, who is in search of her first win since the 2014 US Open, told reporters.
“It’s a huge honour to have the course record. It’s definitely up there as one of my better major rounds for sure. It’s such a nice golf course. You can get lost in the views so easily.
“It’s almost like playing back home in Hawaii – they’re that good.”
In-Kyung Kim is a shot back after a 7-under 65 that featured eight birdies and a solitary bogey. Lindy Duncan is one further back at 6-under.
Laura Davies, who is playing in her 37th British Open, looked set to challenge the leaders but a double bogey on the 15th following an hour rain delay put the brakes on her round.
England’s Mel Reid is well positioned at 5-under alongside Chella Choi and Anne Van Dam.
“It was important to take advantage of the good conditions,” Reid said.
“You aren’t going to get Kingsbarns much more playable than that. I had one bad putt all day.
“We’ve done some good work over the last few days and I feel like I am close to doing something. Hopefully it can be this week.”
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