American Amanda Blumenherst held a one-shot lead at ANZ Ladies Masters after an opening-round 66.

Blumenherst birdied four of her last six holes and did not drop a shot at Royal Pines Resort on the Gold Coast to finish the first day on six under par.

Australia's Katherine Hull, who started with three straight birdies but could only pick up two more on the remaining 15, was one shot back, with countrywoman and six-time former champion Karrie Webb one of five players on four under.

Becky Brewerton of Wales was also on four under, along with another Australian Kristie Smith, Sweden's Anna Nordqvist and American Vicky Hurst.

The outlook would have been even brighter for Brewerton had she not bogeyed the 18th on the way to her 68.

Scotland's Vikki Laing and England's Florentyna Parker were in an 11-way tie for eighth on three under.

England's Laura Davies was two under and compatriot Elizabeth Bennett one under.