Work to do for Lauren Walsh at Augusta National Women's Amateur

Lauren Walsh carded a four-over-par 76 on the opening day of the Augusta National Women's Amateur to sit midpack in the 72-player field, six shots off the lead.

Playing the course the 'wrong' way around, the Castlewarden golfer closed both nines with birdies at par fives, but a sloppy double bogey at the short eighth - her 17th - cost her dearly on a day when scoring was difficult.

The Wake Forest student will tee off for her second round of the three-day event just before 2.20pm Thursday. Only the top 30 and ties will make the 'cut' for the final day. Walsh currently sits tied 39th.

Italy's Benedetta Moresco and 16-year-old American sensation Anna Davis opened with matching two-under-par 70s to lead the way after the first round at Champions Retreat Golf Club.