Olson, 1 of 3 under par, leads Women’s British Open
Hamilton’s Sharp tied for fourth after windy day on famous Scottish links
Fences blew over behind Canada’s Alena Sharp as she warmed up for her 6.30 a.m. start.
Nelly Korda’s opening drive went 187 yards and the fierce wind meant she had a hard time just walking the first three holes.
Buffeted by a gust on the 11th green, Lexi Thompson stepped back from a bogey putt, looked at her caddy, and had a wry laugh.
The opening round of the first women’s major of a pandemic-affected year was a slog for many of the world’s biggest names at Royal Troon on Thursday.
For Amy Olson, though, it was a stroll.
The American was the only player to shoot below 70 in what some said was a four-club wind on the famous links in eastern Scotland, her 4-under 67 earning her a three-stroke lead.
“It was the best ball-striking day of my life,” said Olson, who grew up hitting a low ball in strong winds in North Dakota, standing her in good stead for links play. “But I can’t even describe how difficult it was out there.”
Only two others in the 144player field — Sophia Popov of Germany and Marina Alex of the United States — shot under par, both with rounds of 70.
Among the 10 players tied for fourth place at even par were Sharp and Catriona Matthew, a 50-year-old Scot who was captain of Europe’s Solheim Cupwinning team last year.
Sharp, a Hamilton native, rebounded after hitting her opening shot out of bounds, resulting in a double bogey.
“I was just like, OK, you need to wake up, start playing golf shots.’ Don’t be afraid of the wind,” said Sharp, who had four birdies and no bogeys on the last eight holes. “This is just like all the other rounds I’ve played in the wind. You know, just from there on, I was just in grind mode the rest of the day.”
Sharp has a grandmother and uncle from Scotland.
“I feel like they were watching over me today and giving me a little help out there,” she said.
Brooke Henderson of Smiths Falls had a 6-over 77.