Scotland’s Janice Moodie made her best start of the year with a fine two under par 69 and was the leading British player after the first round of the Michelob ULTRA Open at Williamsburg in Virginia.

The Scot was tied for 16th on a day when word No.1 Lorena Ochoa led on 64, one ahead of the English-born Australian, Lindsey Wright.

Moodie had a far from spectacular opening half of 38 but then hit form with four birdies in five holes from the 11th in a fantastic home nine of 31.

Ochoa, who has already won twice this season, had eight birdies in her bid for a first Michelob title.

Moodie was the only Briton to break par. Laura Davies shot one over 72, Becky Morgan had a 73 and Karen Stupples, joint second last year, struggled to a 74.