If you’re looking for American players among the leaders at the women’s British Open, you are out of luck.
They were few and far between after the first round Thursday at Royal Lytham and St. Anne’s.
Lexi Thompson has stepped away from the tour and Michelle Wie only finished 12 holes before a wrist injury forced her to withdraw from this major.
Australian Minjee Lee took advantage of playing in the good weather that came out for the second half of the draw. She shot a seven-under par 65 that was bolstered by a 25-foot eagle putt at the 15th hole.
She held a one-shot lead over Japan’s Marniko Miga.
Closest major champion to the lead was Sung Hyun Park, who opened with a 67.
Little known Mina Harigae was the low American player with 68 while up-and-coming American star, rookie Angel Yin, was tied for 11th at three-under.
The early players were greeted by rain and cool temperatures then in the afternoon, it turned sunny and warm.
