A bogey-free 66 has Patty Tavatanakit leading the ANA Inspiration by a single shot after one round ©Getty Images

Thailand's Patty Tavatanakit holds a one-shot lead after the first round of the ANA Inspiration at Mission Hills Country Club in California.

The 21-year-old did not drop a single shot and finished strongly, with four birdies in the closing six holes, to shoot a six-under-par 66 at the first women's major of 2021.

Tavatanakit, who is not in the top 100 of the world rankings, is one shot ahead of China's Feng Shanshan and Leona Maguire of Ireland.

Feng - a former Women's PGA Championship winner - also did not drop a stroke en route to a 67, while Maguire made just one bogey.

Tavatanakit's compatriots Ariya Jutanugarn - a two-time major champion - and Moriya Jutanugarn are tied for fourth place on four under par, along with Megan Khang of the United States and Sweden's Anna Nordqvist.

Ko Jin-young is among an imposing group of players three shots off the lead ©Getty Images
Ko Jin-young is among an imposing group of players three shots off the lead ©Getty Images

Nordqvist is also a two-time major champion.

Eight players are three shots off the lead, including world number one Ko Jin-young and defending champion Lee Mi-rim, both of South Korea.

The Philippines' Asian Games champion Yuka Saso is also on three under, as are English trio Charley Hull, Bronte Law and Georgia Hall.

This is the 50th edition of the ANA Inspiration, and the four-round tournament is due to reach its climax on Sunday (April 4).