ACT’s Nikki Campbell is the leading Australian after the opening round of the Lalla Meryem Cup being played at Golf de I’Ocean in Agadir, Morroco.

Campbell carded an even-par round of 71 in very windy conditions to share 15th position and is five back from outright leader Marianne Skarpnord of Norway.

Skarpnord, who is a great supporter of the ALPG tour, carded six birdies and one bogey on Thursday to sit atop of the leaderboard. The Norwegian, who was runner-up at the same venue last year, leads by one over South African Melissa Eaton. Eaton is continuing her great form after securing her first professional victory on the Symetra Tour last week.

England’s Charley Hull is third at three-under-par, with another four players is a further shot back including fellow compatriots Melissa Reid, Sophie Walker and Holly Clyburn and Thailand’s Ariya Jutanugarn. Another seven players are at one-under-par.

Campbell carded two birdies and two bogeys in her first appearance at the tournament. Defending champion and fellow compatriot Karen Lunn posted a credible one-over-par 72 to be right in the mix.

“I played really well, it was really windy. I was two-under then had a triple of 16th, which was disappointing.”

However, the 10 time winner on the LET was very upbeat about the rest of the week, “It is the best I have played for ages, so lots of positives.” She also mentioned “scores are really good considering the conditions.”

Lunn is tied for 21st position, along with New South Wales Sarah Kemp.

The projected cut is three-over. Queensland’s Bree Arthur is just outside the projected cut at four-over, while New South Wales’ Rebecca Artis is six-over. New Zealand’s Cathryn Bristow is at seven-over, while Victorian Alison Whitaker, South Australian Stephanie Na and Western Australian Whitney Hillier have some work to do, the trio are tied for 110th position after posting eight-over.