Hull leads Volunteers of America Classic

Charley Hull leads the Volunteers of America Classic at Old American Golf Club by one shot after and opening three-under-par 68. Thailand's Pornanong Phatlum and Americans Jessica Korda and Jennifer Kupcho are in a share of second place.

Hull had six birdies in her round including four in six holes from the 2nd tee on what was her back nine. The 24-year-old, like all the players, struggled in the cold conditions. 

"I was so cold out there," said Hull "I struggled swinging the last two holes, I just got so cold. Along that lake, you just get like freezing," 

The cold conditions contributed to the course paying a lot longer than usual and this suited the big-hitting Hull.

"I played pretty solid. The golf course is playing so much different than it did last year. It's playing a lot longer, which I prefer." Added Hull.

Anna Nordqvist of Sweden is one of five players two shots off the lead on one under par. Open champion Sophia Popov sits at level par in a group that includes world number one Jin Young Ko. 

Hull's countrywomen Jodi Ewart Shadoff and Mel Reid sit on one-over and two-over respectively with Stephanie Meadows, who was third at the Pelican Women's Championship a couple of weeks ago, at four-over.