Scot Catriona Matthew makes strong start in women's major

Scotland's Catriona Matthew is one stroke off the pace, after the opening round of the women's first major championship of the season in California.

The 46-year-old posted a four-under-par 68 in the ANA Inspiration at Rancho Mirage where Ai Miyazato and Azahara Munoz share the early lead.

The former British Open champion, who teed off on the 10th, played the opening nine holes in 32 before posting a brace of bogeys on the back nine which she covered in level par.

The Edinburgh-born Matthew hit 15 greens in regulation, as she chases a first LPGA Tour title in five years.

Spaniard Munoz is tied for the lead following a 67 which was spoilt only by a bogey at the final hole where she found a fairway bunker at the par-five 18th.

She admitted: "I've been really working on my attitude but the results haven't really showed, even though I've been doing so much better.

"I know I need to keep believing in myself and eventually it's going to happen. It obviously hasn't been the easiest of years for me since the thumb surgery, and all of that, but I know I'm a good player."

Japan's Miyazato, who posted a bogey-free round, birdied four of her first six holes, while American Lexi Thompson is just two strokes back.

Among those on 70 are Korean Inbee Park and young British star Charley Hull.

Top 10

67: Ai Miyazato (Jpn)

67: Azahara Munoz (Esp)

68: Shiho Oyama (Jpn)

68: Catriona Matthew (Sco)

68: Lee-Anne Pace (Rsa)

69: Aryia Jutanugarn (Tha)

69: Mi Hyang Lee (Kor)

69: Ryann O'Toole (US)

69: Lexi Thompson (US)

69: Amy Yang (Kor)

69: In Gee Chun (Kor)

69: Gerina Piller

69: Ha Na Jang (Kor)

Selected others:

70: Inbee Park (Kor)

70: Charley Hull (Eng)

70: Lydia Ko (Nzl)

70: Michelle Wie (US)