10 August 2023, Walton Heath, Surrey: American Ally Ewing leads an international leaderboard after day one of the AIG Women’s Open at a glorious Walton Heath.
The 30-year-old posted a four-under-par 68 in the late evening sun to move a shot clear of a pack of five players at the renowned Surrey venue.
Ewing, chasing her first major title, posted five birdies in an up-and-down round before highlighting her day with an eagle at the par-5 16th. A three-time winner on the LPGA Tour, Ewing’s best finish in the AIG Women’s Open is a tie for 16th in 2017 and she impressed in the idyllic conditions over the heathland to claim the early advantage among the 144-player field.
Amy Yang and Jeongeun Lee6, both from Korea, Thailand’s Jaravee Boonchant, Perrine Delacour from France and Denmark’s Emily Kristine Pedersen all posted three-under-par rounds of 69.
Spain’s Carlota Ciganda and Mexico’s Gaby Lopez are among a large group at two-under-par, while Charley Hull leads English hopes after her opening 71 which also included an eagle at the 16th.
The defending champion, Ashleigh Buhai from South Africa, signed for a two-over-par 74, the same mark as England’s Georgia Hall and Celine Boutier, as the French player chases a third straight win.
Another Englishwoman, Mel Reid, struck the opening tee shot at 6.30am and went on to post a level par round of 72.
The AIG Women’s Open is showcasing women in sport, business and entertainment with fans attending this year’s Championship enjoying world-class golf, live music entertainment and a new festival fan village designed to generate a fun, vibrant and welcoming atmosphere.
For the very first time, live music will feature as part of a new, enhanced fan experience with global superstar Ellie Goulding performing a headline set on Saturday 12 August.
The AIG Women’s Open will takes place until Sunday 13 August at Walton Heath, with tickets on sale via aigwomensopen.com
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