Yesterday the 26-year-old gave a glimpse of her talent when she claimed a share of the lead after the first round of the Women's Australian Open at Royal Melbourne.

Kemp shared the first round lead with American Stacy Lewis after firing a four-under 69.

The duo led by a shot from a group of three players _ including defending champion and world No.th1 Yani Tseng, who bogeyed the final hole.

But Kemp's challenge since turning professional has been the same as it will be this week _ four consistent low rounds.

Kemp was Australia's leading amateur but the transition to the pro ranks did not prove as effortless as it did for the woman she was expected to succeed _ former world No.th1 Karrie Webb.

She said she had been ``absolutely'' frustrated in the past three years as she battled to match the hopes placed on her shoulders.

``When I had a really good amateur career and I won everything Webbie did when she was young, I was branded the next Webbie,'' Kemp said.

``I played two years in Europe and then I got my (LPGA) card at the first go in Q-school.

``It was a little bit frustrating but Webbie's kind of one in a million.

``That kind of career is pretty spectacular. If I could have a quarter of that you'd be stoked,'' she said.

``I'd say that my best years are yet to come.''

LEADING SCORES: 69: Sarah Kemp (AUS), Stacy Lewis (US); 70: Yani Tseng (TPE), Julieta Granada (PAR), Brittany Lincicome (US); 71: Sarah Oh (AUS), So Yeon Ryu (KOR), Jessica Speechley (AUS), Sandra Gal (GER), Melissa Reid (ENG); 72: Jiyai Shin (KOR), Sophie Giquel-Bettan (FRA), Belen Mozo (ESP), Jessica Korda (US), Jenny Shin (KOR), Ashleigh Simon (RSA), Victoria Tanco (ARG), Gerina Piller (US), Nikki Campbell (AUS), Eun-Hee Ji (KOR), Jimin Kang (KOR), Lorie Kane (CAN); 73: Julia Boland (AUS), Caroline Hedwall (SWE), Diana Luna (ITA), Kym Larratt (ENG), Jin Young Pak (KOR), Janice Moodie (SCO), Meaghan Francella (USA), Jennifer Johnson (US), Rebecca Lee-Bentham (CAN); 74: Giulia Sergas (ITA), Lexi Thompson (US), Alison Walshe (US), Marianne Skarpnord (US), Na On Min (KOR), Hee-Won Han (KOR), Jody Fleming (AUS), Stephanie Sherlock (CAN), Sun Young Yoo (KOR), Cydney Clanton (US).