Maguire struggles as Lee holds lead in LA Open

Leona Maguire endured a difficult start to the LA Open at Wilshire CC, a two over par round of 73 leaving her well down the order and battling to make the cut.

In-form American Alison Lee, recently tied-eighth in the ANA Inspiration, the opening major of the year, heads the field after a 66 on Thursday, leading by one stroke from Emily Kristine Pedersen, Emma Talley and Nasa Hataoka.

FULL LEADERBOARD

Maguire had a frustrating day, with bogeys on the fifth, seventh and 14th only answered by a birdie on the par-five 13th, leaving her at two over par, seven strokes off the pace.

Further back still is Antrim's Stephanie Meadow, who carded an opening round of 77, leaving her close to the foot of the field and with an uphill task to make the weekend.