The Irish challenge at the Amundi German Masters at Green Eagle Golf Courses in Winsen (Luhe) began brightly, with Anna Foster leading the charge after carding a three-under-par 70 to sit just two shots off top spot.
Four players share first place, with England's Alice Hewson, Germany’s Helen Briem, New Zealand’s Amelia Garvey and Sweden’s Ellinor Sudow all firing rounds of 68 to reach five under.
Czechia's Patricie Mackova, the English duo Hannah Screen and Bronte Law, and India’s Diksha Dagar share fifth place on four under.
Foster, who registered six birdies and three bogeys, is a shot further back alongside Singapore’s Shannon Tan, Australia’s Kelsey Bennett, France’s Anne-Charlotte Mora, and the Danish pair of Sofie Kibsgaard Nielsen and Natacha Host Husted.
Lauren Walsh is just one shot behind her compatriot after carding a 71, with Canice Screene one over and Annabel Wilson four over.
Home hope and co-leader Briem, who had seven birdies and two bogeys, said of her round: "I think my day was really solid, I improved my putting and my wedges.
"I had many birdie chances and used many of them, so I’m really happy with them."
