[PHOTO: Getty Images]

Minjee Lee mounted an inspiring late comeback to be in the mix after the first round of the Olympic women’s golf tournament in Paris.

The two-time major winner Lee was three-over-par through 12 holes and was on a collision course to shoot herself out of contention at the no-cut tournament.

“I didn’t really hit it close enough to really make that many birdies on the front nine; I was missing some fairways and if you’re in the rough, it’s a little more penalising to get them on the greens and really hit it close,” Lee said after her round.

But the two-time major winner stormed home with four birdies in her last five holes to ensure she maintains a chance at Australia’s first gold medal in golf at the games. Lee is the only Australian – man or woman – to have played all three Olympics since golf returned as an even in 2016 following a 112-year absence. She reminded herself of the stage midway through the back nine and scrapped for a 71 to sit one-under and six shots behind the leader, France’s Celine Boutier.

“I just really gave myself a bit of a nudge and thought I had to make a few birdies coming in because I just didn’t want to be over par. So four birdies in the last five, so I’m happy with the finish,” Lee said.

Lee was the group in front of major champion, Boutier, who was serenaded like the French favourite she was while she lit up Le Golf National’s Albatros course with a seven-under 65 to take a three-stroke lead in the first round. The national anthem was sung loudly to Boutier in emotional scenes on the first tee.