English amateur Charley Hull impressed on her Women’s British Open debut yesterday, claiming a one-under par 71 at Hoylake.

The 16-year-old, who finished one shot behind leaders Haeji Kang and So Yeon Ryu of South Korea, played on a blustery morning along with Australian pair Karrie Webb and Stacey Keating, Lydia Hall of Wales, South Korean Jiyai Shin and Japanese player Ai Miyazato.

The South Korean duo shot two under par 70s to share the first round lead, but given her strong start with her sub-par round Hull is clearly eying the title.

When it was put to Hull that she seemed relaxed about her position on the leader board, she said: “I just pretend I’m out there playing with my mates.

“I know it’s like a major but that’s how I think of it.”

Catriona Matthew, who was the last British winner of the tournament at Royal Lytham in 2009, shot 76 along with the 2004 champion Karen Stupples, whilst fellow Britons Carly Booth and Melissa Reid both had 77s.

Laura Davies, the 1986 title holder, shot 80 to lie in a share of 125th position and will have work to do to make the 36-hole cut to the leading 65 players and ties this evening.

Sportsister
The Women’s Sports Magazine