A 16-year-old amateur from Sydney who left former world no.1 Jiyai Shin shocked at how “strong” she was during a practice round this week has bolted to the early Australian Open lead as heavy rain hit the opening day.
Rachel Lee had to come through qualifying this week to get a start in her first national open and made the most of her opportunity shooting an opening round six-under 67 at The Lakes, including a staggering eight birdies, to outshine a star-studded field.
She closed her round with back-to-back birdies in pouring rain to secure a one-shot lead over Shin, her hero, who earlier carded a five-under par 68, already impressed with the teenager’s ability.
“I’m surprised at how strong she is, “ Shin said.
“She has a great opportunity to see what she needs to learn to get to the next level, especially with the men and women playing together here.”
Rising Australian star Steph Kyriacou said she used her intimate course knowledge to open with a four-under 69, with superstar and world No.5 Minjee Lee a shot further back.
“I’m actually a member here, so I’d have to say here, but I have played The Aussie enough times to know my way around,” Kyriacou said.
“I was pretty nervous on the 1st and it took me a few holes to settle in, but then as it kind of goes on, everyone’s just walking along and the nerves eased down, but it still wasn’t like normal. A bit of adrenaline too.”
Lee staged a terrific comeback having slipped to two-ove earlier in her rollercoaster round before carding a massive six birdies on her final nine holes in her three-under round of 70 and she was in fourth place as the afternoon rounds continued in wet conditions.
