GOLD COAST, Australia (AP) — American Amanda Blumenherst has shot a 6-under 66 to take a one-stroke lead over defending champion Katherine Hull after the first round of the ANZ Australian Ladies Masters.
Blumenherst, a three-time collegiate player of the year at Duke University and 2008 U.S. Women’s Amateur winner, birdied three of her final four holes Thursday on a Royal Pines resort course soggy from recent heavy rain.
With a lift, clean and place rule in effect, Blumenherst and Hull (67) were among morning players to master swirling winds.
Becky Brewerton of Wales, six-time former champion Karrie Webb and Anna Nordqvist of Sweden, last year’s LPGA Championship winner, were in a group tied for third with 68s.
