Australian golfer Lindsey Wright sits in a tie for fourth, five shots of the lead, after the opening round of the Marathon Classic in Ohio.

Laura Diaz, seeking her first USLPGA Tour win in 12 years, fired a sizzling bogey-free nine-under-par 62 on Thursday to grab a four-shot lead.

The 39-year-old American leads South Africa’s Lee-Anne Pace and Austin Ernst of the US at Highland Meadows club. The pair shot five-under rounds of 66.

Ernst and Pace teed off in the afternoon, knowing they were chasing a low number after Diaz posted her score in the morning.

One stroke back, at four-under 67, Wright is well placed with three-time USLPGA Tour winner Lydia Ko. The Australian and 17-year-old New Zealander are in a bunch with British Open winner Mo Martin, Katie Burnett, Mariajo Uribe and Marissa Steen.

Defending champion Beatriz Recari ended the day eight shots off the lead at one-under 70, while US Open champion Michelle Wie stumbled to a three-over 74, leaving her well off the pace.