Áine Donegan is the best of the Irish after the opening round of the South African Women’s Open, with Patricia Schmidt leading the way after her round of 63.
Donegan carded a 70 at the Royal Cape GC, the highlight being an eagle at the par-5 14th, with earlier birdes coming on five and 11. Her only dropped shot came on the ninth as the Co Clare competitor lie on three under overall.
A shot further back is Anna Foster. Her 71 was made up of four birdies but she encountered trouble at nine and 10, with a double-bogey and bogey respectively.
Olivia Mehaffey shot 72.
Germany’s Schmidt had a two-shot advantage, the highlight of her round came with an eagle on 11 to go alongside eight birdies.
Smilla Soenderby of Denamrk lies second after her 65, with five players sharing third: Alessia Nobilio, Emma Spitz, Eseme Hamilton, Emma Grechi and Pia Banik.