WALTON-ON-THE-HILL, UNITED KINGDOM (AFP) – Ally Ewing opened up a slim one-shot lead on a group of five players after the first round of the Women’s British Open at Walton Heath on Thursday.
American Ewing holed an eight-foot putt for eagle at the long 16th on her way to a four-under-par 68.
But it was a congested field with five players – Lee Jeong-eun, Emily Pedersen, Perrine Delacour, Jaravee Boonchant and Amy Yang – on 69 and nearly 60 players on par or better.
Ewing has won three times on the Ladies Professsional Golf Association (LPGA) Tour, and her best finish in a major was a tie for sixth in the 2019 Chevron Championship.
One of the Tour’s consistent performers, the 30-year-old has represented the United States (US) in the last two Solheim Cups.
“It’s great to post a good first round, but a long way to go before tomorrow,” said Ewing.
“It was a bit windy too so I’m very happy to get round in four-under.
“I set myself targets and I’m usually a bit conservative. I wanted to be in the top 30, so definitely happy to be in the lead.
“I am looking ahead to the Solheim Cup, everyone wants to be in the team. It’s at the back of my mind so I hope I can propel myself into the US side.”
