Ko sits in a share of first place at five-under after her opening round of the Pure Silk Bahamas Classic. Ko, who was out on the course early, shares the clubhouse lead with South Korea's Meena Lee.
Ko got off to a blistering start with three birdies in her opening six holes before dropping a shot at the ninth to go out in a two-under 34. She then picked that shot back up at the par four 10th before birdies at 16 and 18 to close with a 68.
It is Ko's first start since splitting with long time New Zealand-based coach Guy Wilson, signing with IMG and transferring her allegiance to the David Leadbetter Academy in the States.
Ko won her second start as a pro late last year in Taiwan and is starting her first full season on the LPGA tour, although she will return to New Zealand next week to defend her New Zealand Open title at Clearwater.
