Ko off to positive start in British Open
WELLINGTON: New Zealand golfer Lydia Ko is on the leaderboard after the first round of the British Open in Lancashire.
Ko fired a 4underpar 68 at Royal Lytham and St Annes to be in a tie for sixth, three shots from leader Minjee Lee, of Australia.
Ko carded five birdies in her afternoon round, with just one bogey, to show she is closer to her fine form of old.
Her side of the draw also got the better of conditions as rain cleared to produce a nice afternoon for scoring.
The former world No 1 was pleased with her start, but knows there is still work to be done.
‘‘I feel like I played pretty solid and gave myself quite a few looks at birdie which is a good thing, especially in a major championship, but starting off 4under in round one is a solid start,’’ Ko said.
The occasion of a major championship has always been a key focus for the bubbly Kiwi.
‘‘I think the biggest thing for me is just to enjoy being out there. I had two great players to play alongside and everyone was playing really solid. I just tried to have fun.
‘‘It’s a long week so you just have to be patient and try enjoy every moment.’’
After this solid first round, she will be looking to pounce early in an attempt to chase down the topranked Australian.
World No 1 Ariya Jutanugarn, of Thailand, opened with a 1underpar 71.
Earlier, American Michelle Wie was forced to pull out of the Open during her first round because of a hand injury.