Australia's Minjee Lee packed six birdies and an eagle into a round of seven under par 65 to lead the first round of the Women's British Open. 

By the luck of the draw, the 22-year-old missed the morning rain and she made the most of the sunny and relatively benign conditions to finish atop the leaderboard. Now she's hoping to go on and complete an impressive fortnight in by going one better than last week's runner-up spot behind Ariya Jutanugarn in the Ladies Scottish Open at Gullane.

"I had a really fun time in Scotland and playing on another links course has definitely helped me coming in to this major," said the youngster. "I've had a pretty good season with lots of top tens and the key today was that I stayed out of too much trouble. I was in four bunkers but managed to hole a few longish putts – overall it was pretty good."

Japan's Mamiko Higa was alone in second place on 66 with England's Georgia Hall and world number three Park Sung-hyun, in the group on 67.  In-Kyung Kim, the defending champion, had a 70, while world number one Ariya Jutanugarn, who won the title in 2016, was one under par 71 and two shots behind her older sister, Moriya. 

But no one could match Lee. Aiming to become the first Australian winner since Karrie Webb at Turnberry in 2002, the highlight was an eagle from 30 feet at the long 15th and her only mistake was an up and down bogey from a bunker at the 17th. 

Hall, last year's European number one, finished joint third at Kingsbarns in Scotland last year and the 22-year-old again showed her liking for links courses with a flawless five-birdie round, including three in a row from the 13th.

New Zealand's Lydia Ko, the two-time major winner and former world number one, kept in contention for a first British Open with a 68. It was a good bounce back for the 21-year-old, who missed the cut at the Scottish Open. England's Florentyna Parker had a hole in one at the ninth – an eight iron from 140 yards – and she went on to shoot a fine 69. Meanwhile, Michelle Wie said she was "devastated" after a longstanding hand injury forced her to pull out. Playing in frequent rain showers, the 28-year-old American was on seven over par after 12 holes before deciding she could not continue.

(With agency input)