Women’s Open: Leona Maguire in the hunt after opening 72 at Carnoustie

The Co Cavan star is five strokes adrift of a leading trio that features world No 1 and Olympic champion Nelly Korda

Leona Maguire with caddie Dermot Byrne as she prepares to play her second shot at the 18th during yesterday’s first round of the AIG Women’s Open at Carnoustie. Picture: Andrew Redington/Getty Images

A bogey at the last left her with a bad taste in her mouth but Leona Maguire is very much in touch despite opening with a level par 72 that left her five shots off the lead in the AIG Women’s Open at Carnoustie.

The Co Cavan star may be tied 41st, five strokes adrift of a leading trio that features world No 1 and Olympic champion Nelly Korda, but she did little damage on a day when 40 players took advantage of light winds and a soft golf course to break par.