The 20-year-old produced a bogey-free seven-under-par round of 65, equalling the lowest score in tournament history.

World number two, Lydia Ko of New Zealand, and the United States’ Cristie Kerr are tied second after both carding 66.

Ko’s round was her best-ever at a major championship and comes on the back of her recent appearance at the Scottish Open in Dundonald, where she finished in a share of fourth place.   

"I've always said the British Open is the hardest week to prepare for," Ko said.

"I had a couple of years where I came prior to the week and the weather was totally different, but I think it was good preparation playing the Scottish last week.

"To play links golf and in the wind, I think that was a good strategy.

"I've played solid the last couple of weeks so I just tried to trust my game and that's all I can do."

England's Florentyna Parker is one of nine players three shots off the pace on four under, while world number one Inbee Park is a further shot back after a three under 69.

South Korea’s Park, the runner-up in 2012, birdied three of the last five holes to climb the leaderboard.

Defending champion Mo Martin is five shots adrift after the American posted a two-under 70.

Australia’s former champion Karrie Webb appears unlikely to make the cut following a bogey-laden round of 80.



Related stories
July 2015: In Gee Chun overhauls Yang in final round of Women's US Open to win first major title
July 2015: Yang maintains three-shot advantage to remain on course for maiden major title at US Women's Open
July 2015: South Korea's Yang earns three shot lead at US Women's Open
July 2015: Alex and Webb share early lead at US Women's Open as weather postpones first round action
April 2015: Lincicome repeats ANA Inspiration success at season's first major