(Getty Images photo)
Emma Talley Smith got off to a hot start in the first round of the Vic Open in Victoria, Australia.
The Caldwell County High School grad had five birdies on the front nine while shooting a 5-under 31 on that side.
She had one birdie and one bogey on the back nine to finish the day at 5-under 67.
The former University of Alabama star is tied for third, just one shot behind two players who share the lead after one round at 6-under.
Talley birdied the first hole of the day and added birdies on Nos. 3, 5, 7 and 9 on the front.
She added a sixth birdie on No. 15 but then had her only bogey of the day on No. 16.
Talley was twice tied for the lead before finishing one stroke behind the leaders.
The first round was Thursday in Australia, but it was late Wednesday night in the United States.
Round two is coming up on Friday in Australia, but late Thursday night here.
There are 84 women in this week’s event, which also includes a field of 144 men. For the women, a cut will be made to the Top 50 after 36 holes, then a second cut after 54 holes to the Top 35 players.
