Hull conquers the wind to lead Women's Open by one

St Andrews’ Old Course provided a supreme test of links golf skills in round one and England’s Charley Hull came out top

- JACK RATHBORN

As a bitterly cold evening set in at St Andrews last night, Charley Hull warmed the hearts of an expectant crowd huddled around the 18th hole of the Old Course to snatch the first-round lead at the AIG Women’s Open.

The Englishwoman thrived in a star-studded group, draining a birdie at the last to fire a stunning five-under-par round of 67 to lead American superstars and major champions Nelly Korda (-4) and Lilia Vu (-3).

The 28-year-old, who leads Korda and China’s Ruoning Yin by one stroke, believes her time is now. That elusive major, after finishing runner-up twice last year, may arrive at the home of golf on Sunday if she can maintain this blistering pace after a near-flawless round of golf, packed with six birdies and just one blemish, a bogey at the 11th hole.

While the trio displayed immense skill and pinpoint accuracy, their patience was also tested by a ponderous pace, resulting in a round that exceeded six hours following the punishing conditions from earlier in the day.

Hull’s dazzling array of shots have been seen on golf’s biggest stages, yet her appetite for a battle in the most arduous conditions could lay the platform for her crowning moment as a professional.

“I’d say the last three holes were a bit easier,” Hull revealed. “[The wind] dropped. But making the turn it was really, really strong. It was very strong, especially when we had a hold-up on 11. It got really cold there, as well. Yeah, it did drop just the last three holes.

“I love playing with them two girls. Nelly is an unbelievable ballstriker, Lilia is a great putter. You just kind of know, even when they’re making some bogeys, you think the whole field is finding this tricky, so you kind of just keep in the moment. They’re two quick players, as well, so I enjoy that. But no, it’s all fun.