Macdonald sets course record to seize early lead in Australia

Kelsey Macdonald produced a sparkling seven‑under‑par 64 to break the course record at Sanctuary Cove and grab the first‑round lead at the Australian WPGA Championship. The 35‑year‑old Scot opened with a bogey but responded superbly, rolling in six birdies before capping her round with a closing eagle to move one stroke clear in Queensland.

Home favourite Hannah Green, fresh off her Australian Open triumph, and English rookie Charlotte Heath sit tied for second after matching six‑under efforts, despite both dropping a shot at the opening hole. Four players, including England’s Meghan MacLaren, share fourth at five under.

Macdonald, who has spent three months competing in Australia, credited the warm conditions for helping her stay sharp after leaving a freezing Scotland. Heath, a Curtis Cup alumna, said the Bermuda grass felt familiar thanks to her Florida base. Macdonald’s back‑nine 29 ultimately set the day’s defining standard.