Ladies European TourBrian KeoghAlison Walshe, Hazel Kavanagh, Laura Davies, Rebecca Codd, Women's Australian OpenComment

Irish struggle in Women's Australian Open

Ladies European TourBrian KeoghAlison Walshe, Hazel Kavanagh, Laura Davies, Rebecca Codd, Women's Australian OpenComment

Laura Davies at Portmarnock Links last year.Defending champion Laura Davies opened her title defence with a five-under par 68 in the Handa Women’s Australian Open at Commonwealth Golf Club.

The English veteran, 46, leads by two shots from a group of six players just a week after capturing the New Zealand Women’s Open.

Ireland’s hopefuls made a slow start with Hazel Kavanagh the best of the bunch in a share of 52nd place after a three over par 76.

Rebecca Coakley is tied for 70th after a four over par 77 but US based Alison Walshe had eight bogeys and just one birdie in a seven over par 80.