Aussie Green well-placed at Tournament of Champions

Green's compatriot Minjee Lee finished at even par after a rollercoaster opening round featuring four birdies and four bogeys.

Kim leads the field by four shots with fellow South Korean Jin Young Ko and Thailand's Patty Tavatanakit sharing second place at three under, while world No.1 Nelly Korda shot a one-under 71.

But West Australian Green believes she's primed to challenge after blowing out the cobwebs in her first competitive round of the year which included four birdies and two bogeys.

"I hit a couple of shots out there that weren't that great," Green said.

"But I feel like that is probably what happens when you take six, seven weeks (off) without playing a proper competition.

"I got a lot out of my round. I did make a couple of bogeys but I felt like I hit some good shots and some good putts.

"So overall to shoot two under, even though I am quite far back after round one, I still feel like I am in a good position to have some good scores and hopefully a low weekend."

Green starts her fresh golfing year ranked No.6 in the world after winning three LPGA titles in a superb 2024, taking her career victories on the tour to six.

But the 28-year-old said her triple treat of triumphs ranked behind her highlight of last year.

"The Olympics is probably the coolest experience from last year even though I didn't win that," said Green, who finished tied for fourth at the Paris Games.

"Yes, it was really nice to have three tournament wins but I think the crowds that we played in front of (at the Olympics) were probably the best crowds I have ever played in front of.

"That was all so fun wearing green and gold and having my team around me.

"But 2024 was such a good year and I felt like I somewhat flew under the radar a little bit.

"But I am looking forward to coming to some events and defending ... I am still hungry to get more trophies in my cabinet."