(Muirfield) Still waiting to receive her suitcase with her clothes, American Jessica Korda shrugged off an early-round bogey and turned in a 66 (under 5) to find herself one stroke behind leader Hinako Shibuno after the first round of the Women’s British Open on Thursday.
Posted at 3:01 p.m.
Korda had four birdies and an eagle at 17e hole in Muirfield, even though she was playing in borrowed clothes since her suitcase is still stuck in an airport in Switzerland.
“If anyone knows someone in Zurich who would pick up my suitcase and take it to Edinburgh, that would be appreciated,” Korda said with a laugh. Monday I wore Megan Khang’s pants, Tuesday my sister’s and Wednesday Alison Lee’s. Today I wear FootJoy. »
For her part, Shibuno, the 2019 champion, birdied her first three holes and completed her round in 65 strokes. Scotland’s Louise Duncan and Mexico’s Gabby Lopez tied for third place two strokes behind the Japanese.
“I’ve played this well for a long time, especially on the greens. Honestly, it was a bit scary, Shibuno said with the help of an interpreter. I haven’t changed much. My caddy told me I was off balance when I missed putts. I focused on that and played a lot better. »
Brooke Henderson of Smiths Falls, Ont., is tied for 13e rank at minus-1 after a round of 70. Sherbrooke’s Maude-Aimée Leblanc settled for a score of 76 and is part of the group tied for 106e rung.
The Women’s British Open is presented at Muirfield for the first time. Women have been admitted to this club for only six years.