Japan’s Hinako Shibuno shot 65, six under par, to take the lead at the British Open on Thursday in East Lothian, Scotland.
Shibuno thus gave herself a lead over the American Jessica Korda, and two strokes over the Mexican Gaby Lopez as well as the local favorite Louise Duncan.
The Canadians competing in the prestigious tournament are Brooke Henderson and Maude-Aimée Leblanc.
Henderson had a solid, if unadorned, start to the competition with a score of 70, 1 minus, which put him in 13th place.
“I played a very consistent round, mentioned the Ontarian. Several normals. Only two birdies, which isn’t a lot, but I only scored one bogey, so that makes up for it. »
Her only course error came on the 18th hole, when she missed a tricky downhill putt for four feet.
The 24-year-old Henderson recently won a major title, lifting the trophy at the Evian Championship in France for her 2nd career major trophy.
Leblanc had a day to forget on the Muirfield course, committing seven bogeys against two birdies for a plus-5 score, tied for 107th.
Korda had four birdies and an eagle on the 17th hole at 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. »
“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. »
The Women’s British Open is presented at Muirfield for the first time. Women have been admitted to this club for only six years.
