25 Feb 2010

Norwegian golfer leads NZ Women's Open

7:37 pm on 25 February 2010

The Norwegian golfer Marianne Skarpnord has a two stroke lead after the first round at the New Zealand Women's Open on the new Pegasus course north of Christchurch.

After equalling the Ladies European Tour nine-hole record with a seven under 29 during the afternoon round she dropped a shot on the 12th.

But a sixth birdie on the 15th took her to back to a seven under and she stayed top there to finish with a 65, two clear of the American Diana D'Alesiso.

Australia's Kristie Smith and South Africa's Ashleigh Simon are one back in a tie for third.

Twelve year-old Lydia Ko is one of the best placed New Zealanders, along with Zoe Brake and Sarah Nicholson.

They're one under in a share of 10th.