After day one of the AIG Women’s Open, three players share the lead on 5-under par, headlined by world No. 1 and newly minted Olympic gold medalist Nelly Korda.
Korda finished her first 18 holes at the famed Carnoustie course with eight birdies against three bogeys en route to a 67.
“I played well. Took advantage of kind of the calmer day,” said Korda. “It was definitely chillier in the morning. I’m not used to that coming from Tokyo. But I think I just took advantage of all my opportunities and played some solid golf.”
Korda was joined atop the leaderboard by Korean Sei Young Kim and Sweden’s Madelene Sagstrom, who is fighting for a spot on Team Europe for the 2021 Solheim Cup.
Sagstrom posted the day’s co-low round, playing alongside Europe’s captain Catriona Matthew.
“Well, I’m always excited to play with Catriona. She’s a great person and a great golfer,” said Sagstrom. “Of course I want to show off my game to her. I can’t deny that.
“I mean, I’m playing well at the moment. Who knows where her mind is at right now? I’m just trying to play as well as I can to give myself a chance for that team.
“I haven’t put too much pressure on myself this time. I put a little bit more pressure on myself both in ’17 and ’19, really wanting to make that team, and I’m kind of at a state where I’m like, if I’m good enough, I will make that team. If my game is wanted, I will be on that team, and if not, I’m just going to keep practicing and keep trying to make the next team or just keep finishing off this year strong.”
The leading trio were followed by four players tied for fourth on 4 under, headlined by major winners Yuka Saso of the Philippines and Georgia Hall of England.
Spain’s Carlota Ciganda, along with Americans Lizette Salas and Lexi Thompson were tied for eighth, and rounded out the top-10 leaders at 3 under.
Defending champion Sophia Popov opened with an even-par 72. The German was tied for 41st place.
2021 AIG Women’s Open
Top-10 Leaders: Round One
Pos-Player-To Par-(Score)
1. Nelly Korda -5 (67)
1. Madelene Sagstrom -5 (67)
1. Sei Young Kim -5 (67)
4. Louise Duncan -4 (68)
4. Georgia Hall -4 (68)
4. Yuka Saso -4 (68)
4. Andrea Lee -4 (68)
8. Carlota Ciganda -3 (69)
8. Lizette Salas -3 (69)
8. Lexi Thompson -3 (69)
Notables
Pos-Player-To Par-(Score)
11. Inbee Park -2 (70)
11. Nasa Hataoka -2 (70)
11. Inbee Park -2 (70)
22. Ariya Jutanugarn -1 (71)
22. Brooke Henderson -1 (71)
22. Anna Nordqvist -1 (71)
22. Atthaya Thitikul -1 (71)
22. Minjee Lee -1 (71)
22. Patty Tavatanakit -1 (71)
41. Sophia Popov E (72)
41. Jeongeun Lee6 E (72)
41. Lydia Ko E (72)
64. Jessica Korda +1 (73)
64. Stacy Lewis +1 (73)
64. Jessica Korda +1 (73)
118. So Yeon Ryu +4 (76)
118. Danielle Kang +4 (76)
128. Charley Hull +5 (77)
Material from LPGA Tour Media & Communications was used to compile report.
