LAST UPDATE | 29 Mar

LEONA MAGUIRE IS eight shots back after a relatively slow start to the inaugural Ford Championship in Gilbert, Arizona.

Maguire shot a one-under-par 71 on Thursday to sit tied for 72nd heading into Friday.

It was a frustrating round for the Cavan woman, who finished her front nine on level par and then birdied the fifth to just about keep touch with the low-scoring leaders.

Stephanie Meadow is a shot further back still, a first-round 72 leaving her on level par for the tournament.

Pajaree Anannarukarn of Thailand owns the solo lead on nine under par after posting a brilliant 63. Anannarukarn birdied her final five holes to pull a stroke clear of five clubhouse leaders.

Those include Spain’s Azahara Munoz, who is searching for her second win on the LPGA Tour (and a first since 2012), her compatriot Carlota Ciganda, Australian former tennis player Gabriela Ruffels, Germany’s Isi Gabsa, and America’s Lilia Vu.