Golf: Lydia Ko has early lead in California

Lydia Ko fired a four-under round to start the tournament. Photo / AP

Freshly-turned 21-year-old Lydia Ko is hinting at having turned a new leaf after a bright start to the latest LPGA tournament in California.

Kiwi former world No.1 Ko, who celebrated her milestone birthday on Tuesday, shares the clubhouse lead at the Mediheal Championship in Daly City.

A round of four-under 68 featured three birdies and an eagle three at the par- five fifth hole.

With the first half of the field having completed their rounds, Ko shares the top spot with Korean In-Kyung Kim and American Jessica Korda.

Ko has been solid if unspectacular at her last four tournaments, finishing from 19th to 33rd. It extends a drought without a title which stretches back to July 2016.

She dropped two further spots in this week's world rankings, to 18th.

Elsewhere, Kiwi men's No.1 Ryan Fox made a sound start to the China Open in Beijing.

A two-under 70 left him in a share of 34th at the European Tour event, six shots behind Chinese leader Daxing Jin.

Danny Lee made a slow start to the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, finding himself 65th in an 80 strong field after completing nine holes.

- NZN