Date: February 19, 2015
Author: Martin Blake

Play underway in Women’s Open

 

The first shots have been fired in the ISPS Handa Women's Australian Open at Royal Melbourne's composite course.

Defending champion Karrie Webb and the 2012 winner, American Jessica Korda, are among those out on the course in beautiful scoring conditions.

Webb, a five-time winner of Australia's most prestigious women's golf tournament, started on the 10th tee and reeled off three consecutive pars.

Canada's Alena Sharp, Spain's Belen Mozo and Columbian Mariajo Uribe are the early leaders at two-under par.

Organisers are hoping forecast thunderstorms will bypass the famous course in Melbourne's sandbelt.

World No. 1 Lydia Ko, of New Zealand, is due to tee off at 12.50pm.

The $1.2 million tournament, co-sanctioned by the LPGA and Australian Ladies Professional Golf, boasts six of the top 12 players in the world.