Title holder Murdoch shares lead

Canadian Alison Murdoch signalled her intention to defend her title after an opening one over par 75 to jointly lead the Irish Senior Ladies' Open at Woodbrook Golf Club.

Murdoch carded a birdie at the 7th to turn level par and following bogeys at 11 and 13, she birdied 16 to cap a strong opening round in sunny but breezy conditions. Nearest rival Noreen Fenton from Merchants of Edinburgh birdied 1 and 7 to turn one under par and after a double-bogey at the short 13th she completed her see-saw round with birdies at 16 and 17 to tie Murdoch's 75. Canadian Judy Collins is one shot further back on 76 after a 1 under back nine.

Milltown's Rhona Fanagan leads the Irish challenge with a three over par 77 having carded double-bogeys at 10 and 17.