Sarah Jane Smith has survived a battle with the elements to take a commanding four-shot lead into the second round of the Victorian Open.
On a day which included winds gusting upwards of 40km/h, the Queenslander fired an amazing five-under-par 69 on the very challenging Beach course.
Her round included four birdies and one bogey on the outward nine, and another three birdies and one bogey on the way in.
England’s Laura Davies, Victorian Lindsey Wright and Victorian amateur Su Oh share second position at one-under-par.
On a day when only four players broke par for the women, Smith was pleased with her score.
“It felt really good out there, actually without sounding stupid, it felt like I left a couple out there,” Smith said.
“I left three ten-foot birdie putts a couple of inches short in the heart.
“That was a bit frustrating, but apart from that I couldn’t be happier.”
The 29-year-old gave credit to her husband and caddie Duane for helping her with the conditions.
“Obviously I am lucky I have Duane on the bag, he really helped me a lot with different club selections,” she said.
“On some holes I hit three or five wood when I would normally take driver, so it took a lot of extra thinking, but I really enjoy playing in the wind.”
Defending champion Stacey Keating, reigning Australian amateur champion Minjee Lee, American Hannah Jun and Canadian LPGA player Lorie Kane fired an even-par round to sit equal third on the leaderboard.
West Australian Kristie Smith and France’s Joanna Klatten round out the top ten at one-over.