Intro:

American Morgan Pressel fired a 5-under-par 67 to lead by a stroke after the first round of the ANA Inspiration in Rancho Mirage, California on Thursday (2nd April).

Script:

It's the year's first major championship and the elite of women's golf descended on Mission Hills Country Club for the ANA Inspiration.

Top-ranked Lydia Ko is chasing her first major title.

The 17-year-old New Zealander coped well with the mornings blustery conditions to card a 1-under-par 71.

It's her 29th consecutive round under par and matches Annika Sorenstam's LPGA Tour record.

England's Charley Hull is well placed after a 2-under-par 70, which included a superb approach to the par-4 1st.

Seven-time major winner Juli Inkster carded a 69, leaving her two strokes off the pace.

Inkster is tied for third with South Korea's So Yeon Ryu, Gwladys Nocera of France and American Alison Walshe.

Japan's Ai Miyazato is outright second.

A stroke behind Morgan Pressel, who became the youngest ANA Inspiration champion in 2007 at the age of 18.

The American capped a 5-under-par 67 with her fifth birdie of the day at the 18th to claim the overnight lead.