South Korea’s Mirim Lee shot a superb 10-under-par 62 on the opening day of the Women’s British Open at the Woburn Golf and Country Club ©Getty Images

South Korea’s Mirim Lee shot a superb 10-under-par 62 on the opening day of the Women’s British Open at the Woburn Golf and Country Club, equalling the lowest-ever round in the event’s history.

The 25-year-old posted six birdies on the front nine before picking up further shots at holes 10, 11, 14 and 17.  

Finland’s Minea Blomqvist set the championship record with a 10-under 62 in the third round at Sunningdale in 2004, the year when England’s Karen Stupples won with a record total of 269.

"It was probably one of my best-ever rounds, although I still had some errant shots," said Lee, a two-time winner on the LPGA Tour in 2014.

"I played every hole in a similar fashion, hitting fairways and greens.

"My best ever score was an 11-under-par in LPGA qualifying."

Thailand's Ariya Jutanugarn is three shots off the pace in second place ©Getty Images
Thailand's Ariya Jutanugarn is three shots off the pace in second place ©Getty Images

Lee holds a three-shot lead over Thailand’s Ariya Jutanugarn, who posted a bogey-free 65.

China’s Shanshan Feng is a further shot back having managed six birdies in eight holes from the fifth to the 12th.

South Korea’s Lee Mi-hyang and the United States' Stacy Lewis are tied for fourth spot on five-under, while home favourite Charley Hull is seven shots off the pace on three-under.

Hull finished runner-up at April’s ANA Inspiration to New Zealand’s Lydia Ko, who had a disappointing opening round.

The world number one carded a two-over 74, which included four bogeys and two birdies, to sit 12 strokes off the lead.

Action is due to continue tomorrow and will draw to a close on Sunday (July 31).