Shibuno Quick to Make Her Mark at Muirfield

Muirfield, Scotland: Hinako Shibuno rekindled her love for the AIG Women’s Open after claiming the first round lead at Muirfield.

On an historic day for women’s golf as the East Lothian venue staged the Championship for the first time, the 2019 champion from Japan shone on the famous links.

Shibuno, known as the ‘Smiling Cinderella’ after picking up the nickname following her triumph at Woburn three years ago, opened with an impressive six-under-par 65 to set the early pace.

The 23-year-old said: “It has been a long time since I’ve played this well, especially putting. Honestly it was a little frightening. I was thinking about it (the leaderboard) from time to time. It was nostalgic to be on the top.

“Two years ago, when we were playing at Royal Troon, the wind completely overtook my shots. I wasn’t thinking about how to use this to my advantage. However, in this tournament I could adapt my style to the elements.”

With the morning starters enjoying warm and breezy conditions – the wind gusted stronger for the afternoon players – Shibuno birdied the first three holes. In total, she mixed eight birdies with two bogeys to earn a one-shot advantage over American Jessica Korda.

While missing some lost luggage this week, Korda kept her composure. Placed 14th on the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings, Korda, 29, posted a 66, highlighted by an eagle at the par-five 17th.

Two players sit at four-under, including newly-turned professional Louise Duncan who rolled back the clock to her exploits at Carnoustie last year when she posted a top-10 finish to win the Smyth Salver as the leading amateur.

In the first group out at 6.30 am – together with fellow Scot Catriona Matthew who struck the opening tee shot – Duncan was the early leader after two birdies in her first five holes. The 22-year-old thrilled the home crowds once more, also making an eagle on the 17th, as she signed for a 67.

Mexico’s Gaby Lopez joined Duncan on four-under later in the day, helped by three birdies in five holes from the 10th. A five-strong group are well-placed at three-under, featuring Swede Maja Stark, Chun In-gee from Korea, France’s Celine Boutier, Australian Minjee Lee and England’s Jodi Ewart Shadoff.

Among the international field of 144 players, past winners Park In-bee (2015) and Georgia Hall (2018) posted rounds of 69 and 70 respectively. Defending champion Anna Nordqvist finished on three-over after a 74.