Sydney’s Claire Shin has shrugged aside the disappointment of missing out at LPGA Q School to take a one-stroke lead at the Women’s NSW Open Regional Qualifying event at Mollymook Golf Club.

Runner-up at the Women’s NSW Open two years ago to Momoka Kobori in a playoff at Forster-Tuncurry Golf Club, Shin was the only player to finish day one under par, the 19-year-old posting a round of 1-under 71 to lead a quartet of players.

Kiwi sisters Wenyung and Siyi Keh, Coffs Harbour’s Amelia Mehmet-Grohn and Danni Vasquez Boyd all shot even par rounds of 72 to be one clear of the third Keh sister, Munchin (73), and newly-minted professional, Justice Bosio (73).

Shin recently returned to Australia after missing the cut at Stage 2 of LPGA Tour Q School and refocused to compile a round consisting of birdies at two and 18 and a lone bogey at four.

“Not much to say, I just kept going through what I did in the practice round, and that gave me at least two birdies today,” said Shin.

“I’m really happy with that – it’s a good accomplishment.”

Conceding that swing changes made it difficult to produce her best in Florida, the St Michael’s Golf Club member was pleasantly surprised to see her round come together at Mollymook’s testing Hilltop layout.

“Since I came back from America, my game hasn’t been that great with changing swings and all that, but today was really surprising,” she admitted.

“I played really well, so I feel I’ve got it back. I’m super excited.”

While thrilled to rediscover form so quickly, Shin is no stranger to leading in Mollymook.

She led going into the final round 12 months ago and is now hoping to seal the deal, and a spot in the Women’s NSW Open at Wollongong Golf Club next March.

“It feels like déjà vu,” she said.

“I feel like it’s gotten tougher, but if I do well tomorrow, then maybe I have a chance to win it this time.”

The final round tees off at 8am on Thursday with live coverage beginning at 10am on the Women’s NSW Open website and via the SEN App.