Linn Grant
(Twitter Photo)

In pleasant, sunny conditions on the South Wales coast, the Swede appeared to make light work of the front nine, carding two birdies and an eagle 3 on the par-5 9th hole to reach the turn in 32.

Two birdies in a row on the 14th and 15th holes catapulted Grant, who won the Helen Holm Scottish Open Stroke Play Championship and the German Girls’ Open recently, into the outright lead on six-under-par, only for a bogey at the 17th to check her stride.

However, the Swedish junior international, who currently leads the PING Junior Solheim Cup ranking, recovered immediately to regain the dropped stroke with a birdie on the final hole of the day to sign off for a six-under-par first round 65.

Two strokes further back on four-under-par is Mathilde Claisse, who was among the early pacesetters after posting an excellent round of 67 to set the clubhouse lead during this morning’s play.

The French youngster, who won the Coupe Didier Illouz and Grand Prix de ligue PACA Dames in her native country earlier this year, was in prolific form on the opening stretch, collecting four birdies before producing a fluctuating back nine which included two birdies and two bogeys.

“I barely missed a shot today and my putting helped me to get important birdies. I don’t think I have made more than 27 putts in total”, said Claisse.

The 16-year-old was among the groups out on the course before 7.00am this morning but the early start is something she appears to be comfortable with: “I had an earlier tee time during the Girls’ Amateur three years ago and I started at 7.00am during the Scottish Open last May so I am used to it. I prefer to play in the morning even if the early rise can be difficult!”.

A number of players including defending champion Julia Engstrom remain in close contention on two-under-par. WAGR™ number one Leona Maguire is among a large group one shot further back on one-under-par.

The Ladies’ British Open Amateur Championship is being contested by 144 competitors from 24 countries, including 33 players ranked in the Top 100 of the World Amateur Golf Rankings.

The first stage of the championship comprises two qualifying rounds of stroke play before the leading 64 players progress to the match play stage. Each match will consist of one round of 18 holes.