Korda and Hall both off to flyers at Carnoustie

NELLY KORDA stormed to the top of the leaderboard on a fascinating day one of the Women’s Open at Carnoustie, with Britain’s former champion Georgia Hall just a shot off the pace.

Korda, who has already won the Women’s PGA Championship and Olympic gold in a stellar year, carded eight birdies and three bogeys for a five-under 67.

‘I’m very happy,’ the 23-year-old American said.

‘We didn’t have much wind today. It was very chilly in the morning, that was the only thing against us today but the wind kept calm and I took advantage of it.

‘I’m a little tired but I’m still going to give it my all these next three days.’

Korda shares the lead with Sweden’s Madelene Sagstrom and Korea’s Sei Young Kim. Hall (pictured) carded a 68 to move to four under, the same mark as a number of players, notably including Scottish amateur Louise Duncan.

‘I didn’t do a lot wrong out there and managed to take advantage of the still conditions today,’ Hall said.

‘You have to stay patient, you can think you’re going to make more birdies but it is not that easy. I took advantage of that on the back nine so am happy with that.’

Duncan produced arguably the most impressive round of the day, the 21-year-old Stirling University student delighting home fans in Scotland.

‘It was a ridiculous amount of fun, I wasn’t expecting that at all,’ Duncan said. ‘I’m over the moon. I was so nervous at the start. I was shaking and could barely put the ball on the tee.’

Another Scot, Kylie Henry, is just four shots off the lead after carding a 71.