Australia’s Whitney Hillier has carded an opening round of 67 for a share of the lead at the Helsingborg Open in Sweden.

Hillier is tied with Dewi-Claire Schreefel of the Netherlands, who was in the same group on Thursday.

“It was really nice to play with Dewi, because she pushed me all day and it was a solid group,” Hillier said following the round.

“I had 23 putts so I was very happy with that.”

Schreefel said it helped to be in a group that was playing well.

“If you’re in a group and no birdies fall you can get in a slip.

“It was a great round of golf with five birdies and no mistakes. I rolled the ball well.”

Finland’s Minea Blomqvist and Camilla Lennarth of Sweden ended a day of fine conditions a stroke behind the leaders on four under par.

Defending champion Australian Rebecca Artis and compatriot Nikki Garrett were another shot back on 69.