Gold Coast, Australia - Britain's Diane Barnard shot a seven-under-par 65 to lead world number one Karrie Webb by two strokes after the opening round of the women's Australian Masters on Thursday.
South African-born Barnard, 36, has not won a tournament since a victory in Germany in 1990 in a career stretching back to 1984.
Webb, 26, is chasing her fourth consecutive Masters title in her home country.
New Zealand's Lynette Brooky carded seven birdies in her first-round 66 to take second place. Sweden's Sophie Gustafson and Britain's Kathryn Marshall shared third place with Webb on 67.
"I really would be happy with a top 10 finish because over the last couple of years I haven't played great, so I'm not thinking 'win' at this stage," said Barnard, who was born in Cape Town and lives near London.
"This morning was perfect conditions. The greens were fantastic, and no breeze.
"I've never putted very well but today I got a feel for the greens."
Webb said anything around 67 was a good start for her.
"It took me four or five holes to wake up," the Australian said.
"I hit 16 greens and didn't find too much trouble. I left a couple of putts out there but all in all it felt good."
Former world No 1 Laura Davies of Great Britain had a poor start and was five over par after the first round.
Davies began disastrously on the front nine with three consecutive bogeys and a five-over 42 at the turn but then had a bogey, a birdie, and seven pars for a 77.
Webb said Gustafson would be tough to beat over the next three days.
"She hits the ball a really long way and she's straightened that part of her game up which is a big benefit to her as well," Webb said. - Reuters