Kirk, who last won at the 2017 Thornberry Classic, shot an impressive three-under 69 to be just two shots behind American leaders Nelly Korda, Jennifer Kupcho and Austin Ernst after the opening round of the tournament.

Jaye Marie Green is one shot ahead of the Queenslander, who finds herself in a 10-way tie for sixth, in a group including Kiwi Lydia Ko and Jessica Korda.

Kirk posted two birdies and two bogeys before a run of birdies on 13, 14 and 16 kept her within striking distance of the leaders.  Read more here