Shin, Inkster shoot 71 to take early clubhouse lead at Women's British Open

SOUTHPORT, England – Top-ranked Jiyai Shin and Julie Inkster took the early clubhouse lead at the Women's British Open after shooting 1-under 71 in the first round at Royal Birkdale.

Shin bogeyed the second hole Thursday but recovered with birdies on No. 3 and 18, while Inkster mixed five birdies with four bogeys in an inconsistent round. The 50-year-old American dropped shots on each of the first two holes, before birdies on four of the next six.

A trio including Laura Davies of England were one shot behind, while three-time champion Karrie Webb of Australia was among four players who shot 73.