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South African Ashleigh Buhai has set the early pace at the Women's British Open.
South African Ashleigh Buhai has set the early pace, South Korean world No.1 Ko Jin-young is well in contention for back-to-back majors and the seven-strong Australian contingent struggled on day one of the Women's British Open.
Whitney Hillier and Minjee Lee were the highest-ranked Australians at Woburn in a tie for 32nd after carding one-under rounds of 71.
Lee was three-under after 12 holes but blotted her score with three bogeys in the last six holes to sit half-a-dozen shots behind pacesetter Buhai, who carded an excellent seven-under 65.
"In my last few tournaments I've had three good rounds and one not so good round, so I'm hoping this is the week I can do four good rounds," said Buhai, whose best finish this year is a tie for 11th.
"The last few weeks I have been just trying to stay mellow and keep everything in check, and it seems to be helping."
Japan's Hinako Shibuno and American Danielle Kang were tied for second on 66.
Top-ranked Ko, seeking her third major title of the year after winning last week's Evian Championship in France, was well positioned after a 68 to be tied for eighth.
"I'm not tired yet," Ko said.
"I will do my best for this week, and then I had just great playing today, so I'm just happy."
Hannah Green, who recently became Australia's first female major winner in 13 years when she saluted at the Women's PGA, had a difficult first day at Woburn.
After starting with with two early birdies, Green had two double bogeys before signing for a one-over 73, leaving her with plenty of work to do to make the halfway cut.
Su Oh finished even par for the day along with Sarah Kemp, with the pair two of a clutch of players tied for 46th spot.
Former two-time champion Karrie Webb had a 75 and fellow Australian Katherine Kirk shot 76.
American Lexi Thompson, whose wayward passport after the Evian Championship caused a delay for a van carrying golf bags for nearly 40 players to Woburn, opened with a 71.
