Norway’s Suzann Pettersen birdied her last three holes in a 6-under 66 on Thursday to lead the women’s Australian Open by a shot after the first round at the Victoria Golf Club.
Pettersen, winner of last year’s Evian Championships, had nine birdies and three bogeys, holding off a series of challengers led by Marion Ricordeau of France.
The second-ranked Norwegian made her season debut after missing the LPGA Tour’s opening event last month in the Bahamas because of a shoulder injury. She is in position to take the No. 1 spot in the world from Inbee Park with a victory or a solo second-place finish.
Ricordeau, who had eight birdies, a bogey and a double bogey, briefly drew level with Pettersen before finishing among a group of four players with rounds of 67.
Tied in second place were Park Hee-young of South Korea and Americans Jaclyn Sweeney and Jessica Korda, daughter of former tennis star Petr Korda and already a tournament winner this year.
Lydia Ko was among a larger group at four-under.
Taiwan’s Yani Tseng and Candie Kung shot one-under 71 to tie for 41st.
Additional reporting by staff writer
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