LPGA Tour: Brooke Henderson edges ahead at The ANNIKA after first round after shooting 62 | Golf News

An extended birdie putt on the final gap of her spherical put Brooke Henderson right into a one-shot lead following the opening day of The ANNIKA Pushed By Gainbridge At Pelican; protection continues on Sky Sports activities Golf from 3pm on Friday

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Highlights from the primary spherical of The ANNIKA Pushed By Gainbridge At Pelican on the LPGA Tour

Brooke Henderson opened with an eight-under-par 62 to established a one-shot lead after the primary spherical of The ANNIKA Pushed By Gainbridge At Pelican.

The Canadian made an extended birdie putt on her closing gap, the par-three ninth, for a 29 on the entrance 9 to maneuver previous a gaggle which included Jin Younger Ko and Patty Tavatanakit.

Henderson received the LPGA season opener in Florida and has not received since, falling to No 13 within the ladies’s world rating and coming in at No 14 within the Race to CME Globe.

“Up till this yr, ball-striking has undoubtedly been a energy of mine, and hasn’t been as sharp as I would love the final couple months,” Henderson, who switched irons just lately and felt she was headed in the proper route, stated.

“To hit all 18 greens is extra what I was used to a short time in the past. It feels wonderful to not should rise up and down and provides myself a number of birdie alternatives.”

That is the final event for the highest 60 gamers to succeed in the season-ending CME Group Tour Championship down the coast in Naples. That’s not a difficulty for Henderson or Ko, who’s No 5 on the energy of two LPGA victories.

It’s a totally different story for the others who had been at 63, nevertheless. Tavatanakit, a former main champion, is at No 61 and obtained off to the best begin.

“Clearly, I knew what I needed to do,” Tavatanakit stated. “I am fairly burdened, however on the similar time, I really feel like I did every little thing beneath my management.

“I did every little thing with no regrets. I am simply going to be out right here and know in the back of my thoughts that I did every little thing I may.”

Emily Kristine Pedersen is at No 80 and Minami Katsu of Japan is at No 78, they usually additionally shot 63. Katsu rallied late on a stupendous day at Pelican Golf Membership, beginning the again 9 with 5 birdies in six holes to get close to the highest of the leaderboard.

Lexi Thompson, enjoying for the primary time since lacking the reduce by three photographs in Las Vegas on the PGA Tour, opened with a 64 and was in a five-way tie for sixth. She has gone greater than 4 years with out profitable, and she or he’ll possible want to complete third or higher to make it to the season finale in Naples.

Thompson began on the again 9, made the flip and ran off 4 birdies in 5 holes.

“I simply went into the day figuring out I needed to make birdies,” Thompson stated. “It was good climate – perhaps 5 miles per hour when it gusted – so perfect climate for us.

“I knew I needed to make birdies, however I simply tried to stay to my sport plan with my swing photographs and fireplace on the pins and provides myself as many birdie alternatives.”

Defending champion Nelly Korda opened with a 70, whereas Lydia Ko needed to accept a 67, and at No 101 within the Race to CME Globe, she possible must be alone in second to succeed in the Tour Championship and defend her title.

Protection of The ANNIKA Pushed By Gainbridge At Pelican continues dwell on Sky Sports activities Golf from 3pm and Sky Sports activities Major Occasion from 4.30pm on Friday. Also stream with NOW.

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