The AIG Women’s British Open kicked off at the iconic Old Course in St. Andrews, where Charley Hull and Nelly Korda found themselves playing alongside defending champion Lilia Vu in a six-hour and eight-minute round. The blustery conditions at the par-3 11th caused delays, with as many as four groups waiting to play during the opening round. Hull, who is known for her speed on the course, even took a bathroom break on the 11th tee, adding to the already lengthy round.
Despite the slow pace of play, Hull managed to open with an impressive 5-under 67, narrowly missing an eagle on the par-4 18th. Her performance put her in the lead by one shot over world No. 1 Korda and Ruoning Yin. A total of 17 players managed to break par on the challenging course, with the majority of them coming from the afternoon wave.
The morning wave faced strong winds blowing consistently at 30-35 mph, with gusts reaching 39 mph. The windy conditions, combined with the two-tee start due to the Paris Olympics, added to the challenges faced by the players. Despite the difficulties, Hull credited her coach for preparing her with the necessary skills and patience for the tournament.
Korda, who also struggled with the slow pace of play, acknowledged the unique circumstances of the tournament affecting the round times. She emphasized that rounds lasting more than six hours are not ideal for a major championship but understood the challenges of the unpredictable conditions. Hull, on the other hand, embraced the slow play and managed to stay focused and perform well on the course.
The event marked the third time an LPGA major has been held at the Old Course, with Lorena Ochoa and Stacy Lewis being the previous winners. The challenging conditions and iconic setting of St. Andrews added to the excitement of the tournament, with Hull’s impressive performance and positive attitude shining through the delays and windy weather. Despite the obstacles faced during the opening round, the players showcased their skills and determination to conquer one of the most prestigious events in women’s golf.
