Lee takes advantage of good weather to lead by two

– Australia’s Minjee Lee (right) packed six birdies and an eagle into a round of seven-under-par 65 to lead the first round of the Women’s British Open at Royal Lytham and St Annes on Thursday.

By the luck of the draw, the 22-year-old missed the morning rain and she made the most of the sunny conditions to finish atop the leaderboard.

Now she’s hoping to go on and complete an impressive fortnight by going one better than last week’s runner-up spot behind Ariya Jutanugarn in the Ladies Scottish Open at Gullane.

“I had a really fun time in Scotland and playing on another links course has definitely helped me,” said the youngster.

Japan’s Mamiko Higa was alone in second place on 66 with England’s Georgia Hall and world No 3 Park Sung-hyun in the group on 67.

Kim In-kyung, the defending champion, had a 70, while world No 1 Ariya Jutanugarn, who won the title in 2016, was on one under 71 and two shots behind her older sister Moriya. But no one could match Lee. Aiming to become the first Australian winner since Karrie Webb at Turnberry in 2002, the highlight was an eagle from 30 feet at the long 15th and her only mistake was an up and down bogey from a bunker at the 17th.

Hall, last year’s European No 1, finished joint third at Kingsbarns in Scotland last year and the home 22-year-old again showed her liking for links courses with a flawless five-birdie round, including three in a row from the 13th.

“I couldn’t ask for more,” said Hall, who had her father Wayne acting as her caddie.

“Putting was the key today, and staying out of trouble.”

Higa had six birdies and a bogey and was delighted with her opening effort.

“It is a dream to be playing in the British Open,” she said.

“It’s an honour to be here and I managed to stay very relaxed for the hole round.”

New Zealand’s Lydia Ko, the two-time Major winner and former world No 1, kept in contention for a first British Open with a 68.

It was a good bounce back for the 21-year-old, who missed the cut at the Scottish Open.

England’s Florentyna Parker had a hole in one at the ninth – an eight iron from 140 yards – and she went on to shoot a fine 69.

Meanwhile, Michelle Wie said she was “devastated” after a longstanding hand injury forced her to pull out.

Playing in frequent rain showers, the 28-year-old American was on seven-over after 12 holes before deciding she could not continue.

Wie has just one Major victory, at the 2014 US Women’s Open, but she ended a four-year trophy drought when she claimed the HSBC Women’s World Championship in March. – AFP