Aussies in the hunt at LPGA season opener

Australians Sarah Jane Smith and Katherine Kirk sit just off the lead after the opening round of the LPGA Tour's tournament in the Bahamas.

Sarah Jane Smith, of Australia watches her drive

Australia's Sarah Jane Smith (file) is in a tie for second in the LPGA season opener. (AAP)

Australians Sarah Jane Smith and Katherine Kirk have overcome blustery conditions in the Bahamas to sit among the leading names in the LPGA Tour season opener.

World No.84 Smith's four-under 69 left her tied for second place after the first round alongside Spaniard Luna Sobron Galmes.

They sit just behind outright leader Canadian Brooke Henderson, who posted a bogey-free 68.

Fellow Australian Katherine Kirk and world No.1 Shanshan Feng also navigated the trying weather at Paradise Island to return three-under par 70s.

Only 17 players posted under-par rounds.

"It's was pretty tough, it wasn't too bad early on but right now, it's crazy," Smith said post-round.

"It's pretty hitting all sorts of clubs from numbers you wouldn't even think of. I hit a 9-iron from 88 metres and I didn't even get there."

The Queenslander raced out of the blocks to be three-under after four and shot a round-high six birdies.

But two bogies, including one on her final hole, cost her a chance to enter the second day in front.

Kirk, Australia's second highest-ranked player after Minjie Lee, said she leaned on previous playing experience at the island course when the wind picked up.

"We had perfect weather and barely any wind in the first two days (of practice)," she said.

"I had a game plan from (earlier years). You just have to be a lot smarter with your starting lines and play a little bit more conservative."

Rookie Australian Hannah Green posted a one-over 74 while Su-Hyun Oh has plenty of ground to make up, tied for 46th after shooting 75.


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Source: AAP



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