Slow start for Meadow in ANA Inspiration

Stephanie Meadow

Lydia Ko equalled yet another record as Irish golf's Stephanie Meadow opened with a four over 76 in the ANA Inspiration in California where Galway-born Alison Walshe, now an American, was tied third after a 69.

Playing in her first event of 2015 having opted to spend time at home with her father Robert, who is battling serious illness, Jordanstown star Meadow made an early birdie at the 12th but then doubled the 13th and added four bogeys against just one more birdie to end the day tied for 85th.

At the top of the leaderboard, Morgan Pressel shot a five under 67 to lead by one from Japan's Ai Miyazato with world No 1 Ko tied for 10th after a 70.

It was Ko's 29th consecutive sub-par round, which matched the record set by Annika Sorenstam set in 2004. The New Zealander is 91 under par since the first round of last year's CME Group Tour Championship