Donald leads the way in Hawaii

Luke Donald burst into an early three-stroke lead with a superb seven under par 63 in the first round of the Sony Open in Hawaii – and left Michelle Wie trailing a massive 15 shots behind.

While Donald went to the turn in 32 and then added five more birdies in his last seven holes 17-year-old Wie, playing against men for the 13th time in her career, managed only an eight over par outward 43 and finished with a 78.

With some players still to tee off Wie, who has been suffering from a wrist problem, was lying 119th out of 120.

Donald’s round was two more than the course record set by winner David Toms a year ago, but none of the other early starters could do better than 66, US Open champion Geoff Ogilvy had a 67.

Toms was level par after four and last week’s Mercedes-Benz Championship winner Vijay Singh one under after two.

Wie was unable to hide her frustration but remained positive about her situation.

“It was very frustrating, because I knew if I got the ball in the fairway I really could have shot really low today because my irons felt really great and my short game felt great and my putting felt great, which is usually the one that lets me down,” she said.

“I knew that I had it in me. I was really proud of myself in the end for making those birdies.”