(3 February 2011 – Melbourne, Australia)
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World No.1 Jiyai Shin fired a bogey-free 6-under par 67 to share the lead with American Jennifer Song after the opening round of the ISPS Handa Women&aposs Australian Open at Commonwealth Golf Club.
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Shin finished with three birdies on each nine, including three straight birdies from hole 12 to exceed goals for the day. "This morning my goal was 5-under par because I had a good feeling. It is not an easy course but I am very comfortable," Shin said. "I played early morning so I played without the wind. There was a little bit of rain that soaked the greens so I was really aggressive with every shot to the pin. I missed three or four greens but my short game and putting were good."
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American Jennifer Song, on her first visit to Australia, also finished with three birdies on either nine to take a share of the lead late in the day. "I was draining a lot of putts from everywhere, like if I had birdie chances, close putts, I definitely made it and I made a couple of long putts that really got me going," the LPGA Tour rookie said.
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Ireland&aposs Rebecca Coakley is in outright third place following her five-under par 68 in the benign morning conditions.
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Japanese Tour player Nikki Campbell is one of three players tied in fourth place following her opening round 4-under par 69 and said she was still adjusting to the Australian conditions. "Whenever I play in Australia it takes me a while to feel comfortable because it is such a fast game. The ball rolls a lot more. In Japan we allow for elevation, 10 yards for uphill or downhill. Here it is one or two," Campbell said.
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Australia&aposs Karrie Webb finished with a one-under par 72 to be in a tie for 24th. She commented, "My whole round was very scratchy, I actually hit more quality shots in my first nine holes than I did on the back nine. I managed to get it around. I did some good things."
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Defending champion Yani Tseng bogeyed her final hole to finish at 3-under par while England&aposs Laura Davies is in a tie for 16th place following a 2-under par 71.
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All proceeds from ticket sales at the event go to the Queensland Flood Relief appeal.
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Championship Tickets are available at the Gate or through Ticketek at www.ticketek.com.au or by calling 132 849.
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Tickets: Adults- $20, Conc- $15, Children Under 15 – Free
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For parking information visit: www.womensaustralianopen.com.au
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ALL 4 ROUNDS LIVE ON ABC TV:
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LIVE FRIDAY: 3.00pm- 6.00pm on ABC1
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(Check Local Guides for details)
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