Hull makes her mark on windswept first day

Early leader enjoys playing in tough weather but rivals were less than impressed

- John Huggan

For the first time in 45 years, the distinctive figure of Laura Davies is not in the field for the Women's Open. But no matter. On the evidence of an opening day dominated by the weather - and rounds that took more than six hours to complete the present and future of English women's golf is in good hands.

Leading the way is Charley Hull.

On an ultimately crowded leaderboard containing the defending champion, Lilia Vu (69), and the world No 1, Nelly Korda (68), no one could match the five-under-par 67 shot by the 28-year-old. She has compatriots for company in the shape of her close friend and the former champion Georgia Hall and the world's No 1 amateur, Lottie Woad.

So it was that, aided by the afternoon easing of a wind that gusted to more than 40mph before lunch, Hull was the best of the English bunch.