* Report and photograph by Susanne Kemper at Royal Birkdale.

Dame Laura Davies received a hearty applause when she stepped onto the tee for the first round of the Ricoh Women’s British Open at Royal Birkdale.

Great Britain’s greatest-ever woman golfer created history in becoming the first woman golfer to be officially honored by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth 11.

And Great Britain’s newest Dame is no stranger to the wearing the crown of Ricoh Women’s British Open champion having captured the title at Royal Birkdale in 1986.

Dame Laura Davies tees off to Ricoh Women’s British Open fit for a Queen.

And before teeing up the 50-year old and seven-time LET Order of Merit winner spoke of her pleasure in teeing up now as a ‘Dame’.

“I just love this Open venue as I feel it is the fairest of all,” she said.

“My game is in good shape, and happy to be here, playing well.”

Finishing with a birdie on the 18th, Davies shot a three over par 75.