Kelsey Macdonald Leads Australian WPGA with Course-Record 64; Wilson & Green in Pursuit

Scotland's Kelsey Macdonald delivered an unforgettable performance in the Australian WPGA Championship, carding a course-record, seven-under 64. Her spectacular round included six birdies and a remarkable 40-foot eagle putt on the final hole, securing her a one-shot lead after the opening round.

Trailing closely are England's Charlotte Heath and the in-form Hannah Green, the recent Women's Australian Open champion, both just one shot behind Macdonald.

Annabel Wilson opened her campaign with a solid three-under 68, recording five birdies to stay within striking distance of the leader. The Castlerock golfer started strong at Sanctuary Cove Golf & Country Club, making three birdies in her first seven holes. Despite bogies on the 10th and 18th, she added two more birdies on the 11th and 12th, finishing the opening round tied for 16th place.

Reflecting on her record-setting round, Macdonald shared, “The first hole wasn’t that great,” referring to an early bogey. She added, “So I had nothing to lose from then on going forward. I just positioned well off the tree, hit my irons really well, gave myself opportunities, and then it was just nice to finish the way I did – three, three, three, back-nine 29. I was delighted.” This exceptional round follows three months of golfing in Australia for Macdonald, who earned her WPGA Tour of Australasia card back in December.

Meanwhile, Hannah Green, fresh off her Women's Australian Open victory in Adelaide just four days prior, continued her impressive run. The Australian posted a bogey-free 65 on Thursday, further demonstrating her formidable form after also securing her seventh LPGA Tour triumph in Singapore two weeks ago.

Lahinch's Aine Donegan concluded her first round tied for 40th after carding a 70. She managed to reach three under par with birdies on the 12th, 18th, and first holes, but bogeys on the second, third, and sixth (after another birdie on the par-five fourth) brought her back to even par by the close of play.