Kupcho, Campos share lead on historic opening day at Augusta

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The historic inaugural edition of the Augusta National Women's Amateur golf tournament teed off on Wednesday as a slew of top amateur golfers picked up their clubs at the prestigious golf club.

The opening day saw the world's top-ranked amateur Jennifer Kupcho and 16-year-old Zoe Campos share the lead as the tournament, announced to great fanfare last year by organizers of the Masters, has seen women compete for the first time for a trophy at Augusta National.

The decision to host the tournament has been seen as a landmark move for the club that didn't admit women members until 2012.

Kupcho and Campos led the field during Wednesday's opening round at Champions Retreat Golf Club, which is hosting the first two rounds.

US collegiate champion Kupcho was first on the first tee early in the morning and she went on to conquer her nerves to drill her drive and launch.

Ye Lei of China in action during the final round of the Blue Bay LPGA in Hainan Province, China, November 10, 2018 /VCG Photo

At the end of the day's play, the visibly elated golfer said, "It was very official. I walked up, everyone was very quiet, like no talking to each other at all. I was like, 'Oh, my gosh, this is crazy'."

Fred Ridley, the chairman of the Augusta National and Masters Tournament, was also present at the course on the path-breaking opening day.

Meanwhile, Campos, who birdied the last tie to clinch the lead along with Kupcho, remarked, "It is a really good experience."

In addition to the final round on Saturday, all 72 entrants will play a practice round at Augusta National on Friday.

Hailing the inception of the tournament, Swedish 10-time major champion Annika Sorenstam, said, "This championship is fantastic for women's golf. Young girls are going to be energized and motivated by seeing this event unfold for years to come."

Chinese golfer Ye Lei also teed off at Augusta on Wednesday but the 17-year-old Shanghai-born golfer could only manage to card 78 in the opening round to languish in 51st position.

(Cover: Jennifer Kupcho in action during the final round of the Marathon Classic at Highland Meadows Golf Club in Sylvania, Ohio, U.S. July 15, 2018. /VCG Photo)