Shibuno leads Women’s Open after first round
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| -6 H Shibuno (Japan); -5 J Korda (USA); -4 L Duncan (Sco), G Lopez (Mex); -3 C Boutier (Fra), MJ Lee (Aus), J Ewart Shadoff (Eng), M Stark (Swe), IG Chun (Kor) |
| Other selected: -2 IB Park (Kor); -1 N Korda (US), B Henderson (Can), G Hall (Eng); E C Hull (Eng), A Hewson (Eng), L Maguire (Ire) |
| Ranking board |
Japan’s Hinako Shibuno got off to a strong start at the AIG Women’s Open before building a one-shot lead after the first round at Muirfield.
Shibuno, the 2019 champion, birdied the first three holes before carding eight total for a six-under 65.
Jessica Korda carded a 66, while Scotland’s Louise Duncan and Mexico’s Gaby Lopez are a step back.
“It’s been a long time since I’ve played this well, especially putting,” said the 23-year-old Shibuno.
Jodi Ewart Shadoff led England’s hopefuls as her three-under 68 moved her into the top five, while 2018 champion Georgia Hall is five shots off the pace after a 70 and Charley Hull finishing tied in a group that includes Alice Hewson and Ireland’s Leona Maguire. .
American Korda recovered from an early bogey to record four birdies and an eagle on the 17th, despite having to play in borrowed clothes because her luggage had not arrived in Scotland.
“If anyone knows anyone at Zurich airport who would like to put my suitcase on the one flight on the day I arrive in Edinburgh, I would greatly appreciate it,” said the world number 14.
Playing in the first group at 06:30 BST alongside former champion and local resident Catriona Matthew, Duncan also recorded an eagle on the 17th. Four birdies and two bogeys matched his opening round score at Carnoustie ago 12 months, when he finished 10th while still an amateur.
The 22-year-old only made her professional debut in last week’s Women’s Scottish Open, the cut is missing
“I think the key is that I didn’t take it too seriously,” Duncan said. “I just came out and enjoyed my warm-up.
“I haven’t had a paycheck and I still feel like a fan. I’m rolling with the punches and we’ll see where it takes me.”
Two-time Solheim Cup captain Matthew, 52, struggled to a five-over-par 76, making double bogeys at the first and 10th and failing to make a single birdie.
