Veteran Karrie Webb showed a welcome return to form with a two-under par 70 to start the CME Group Tour Championship on the LPGA Tour today.
But Australia's other player in the season-ending championship in Naples, Florida, 19-year-old Minjee Lee, made a poor start.
Lee carded a three-over 75 in the opening round to be tied-61st.
Webb is tied-13th, four shots behind the first-round leader, American Austin Ernst, who had a 66. The 40-year-old seven-time major winner has had a disappointing season in America after changing coaches and tinkering with her swing.
World No. 1 Lydia Ko is well-placed after an opening 69, three off the lead.
But rookie-of-the-year Sei Young Kim, who began with a 68, is projected to win the $US1 million bonus for the Race to CME Globe, overtaking Ko and Inbee Park.
Park carded a first-round 71 to be tied-22nd.