Tiffin Girls’ School student Inci Mehmet saw the value in education to lead the English Women’s Amateur Championship after the first round on Tuesday.

The 17-year-old former Coombe Hill Golf Club junior shot a level par 71 at St Enodoc in Cornwall to take a one shot lead and in a strong position to qualify for Thursday’s final two outings.

But Richmond’s Mehmet, who had slipped back to four over after nine holes in tricky second round conditions on Wednesday, admitted it could have been better.

“I honestly think this is the hardest course I have ever seen,” she said.

“I went out and told myself to play defensive and smart golf. I didn’t go for anything. I’m known to be quite a greedy golfer and to go for things when probably I shouldn’t.

“It could have been better because I missed three short putts, but I’m happy that I finished level – and it’s my mum’s birthday today as well.”