Interlachen fan Davies surges into contention

EDINA, Minnesota (Reuters) - More than two decades after winning the U.S. Women's Open, Britain's Laura Davies rolled back the years by charging into contention for the 63rd edition.

The 44-year-old Englishwoman reeled off four birdies in five holes on her way to a three-under-par 70 in Thursday's opening round at Interlachen Country Club.

Making the most of calm conditions at a venue she relished playing at the 2002 Solheim Cup, Davies notched five birdies and two bogeys before ending the day three strokes off the lead.

"This course is the best chance for a U.S. Open (win) for me," the four-times major champion told reporters.

"I've been saying that ever since they announced it that I'm really looking forward to playing a U.S. Open here because of the Solheim Cup. I remember a little bit of freedom here, (you can hit) a few more drivers than normal at a U.S. Open."

The par-73 layout, at 6,789 yards, is the longest course to stage a U.S. Women's Open and Davies is well suited to it with her prodigious power game.

"There are a couple of holes where I have an advantage or longer hitters have an advantage," she said.

"Like 10," Davies added, referring to the 528-yard, par-five hole. "I hit four-iron in there today and the others have got to go to the right, which means they can't go for it.

LONG HITTER

"But because it's so fast in the fairways, a long hitter is not necessarily going to win this. It's going to be an accurate hitter and someone who is really putting well."

Davies clinched her first LPGA title at the 1987 U.S. Women's Open in an 18-hole playoff with American JoAnne Carner and Ayako Okamoto of Japan.

"It seemed so easy then," she recalled of her breakthrough victory. "It was a breeze.

"This is my 23rd straight U.S. Open and it's not as easy as I thought it was."

Davies has piled up 20 LPGA titles in a glittering career including three more majors at the McDonalds LPGA Championship in 1994 and 1996 and the 1996 du Maurier Classic.

Although she would love to add a fifth grand slam trophy to her resume, she will not succumb to self-imposed pressure.

"For me, wherever you are is the most important tournament of the year because you can only win this one and winning is what it's all about," she said.

"It's nice to win a major, obviously, because of the style of course you're on and the atmosphere. But next week is just as important as this week is when you get there."

(Editing by Martin Petty)