Maguire six back but preaching patience in Singapore

Elizabeth Szokol. Picture: Getty Images

Leona Maguire believes patience is the key to success after she opened with a two-under 70 in the HSBC Women's World Championship in Singapore.

The world number 11 made three birdies and a bogey to lie tied for 14th at Sentosa Golf Club, six shots behind American Elizabeth Szokol.

"I've been playing well," said Maguire, who sandwiched a tie for 40th in the Aramco Saudi Ladies International between top 10 finishes in her first two starts of the LPGA season. 

"My game has been really solid. Gave myself a lot of chances today. I had a lot of putts that just lipped out or just went by the edge.

"So just do more of the same tomorrow, and hopefully I can hole a few more putts."

The Co Cavan star admitted she lost patience in last week's Honda LPGA Thailand before rallying in the final round to finish tied for sixth.

"I think you just have to have patience in these weeks," she said. "I think it's hard. There are weather issues. We didn't get probably ideal practice in this week.

"So you just have to stay patient, have a good attitude, and take your chances where you get them."

Playing on a medical exemption, Szokol fired an eagle, seven birdies and just one bogey in an eight-under 64 to lead by three strokes from Japan's Yuka Saso.

"Yeah, I had a back injury," said Szokol, who was out for 12 weeks with a herniated disc. "So I was planning on coming here last year but made the decision not to and take some time away from the game, which was a good decision looking back, and really focused on getting better and feeling healthy. And just happy to be back playing and especially here."

She added: "The greens were quite soft. So I could definitely attack a few more pins.

"This is my first time playing here. And people had said usually it's a bit firmer. But the rain definitely softened it up. So I could be a little bit more aggressive with some pins today."