Amy Yang and Seon Hwa Lee lead the LPGA Tour Championship
Amy Yang and Seon Hwa Lee posted a 5-under 67 to lead the opening round of the LPGA Tour Championship yesterday. The LPGA Tour Championship is the season ending tournament of the LPGA and is taking place at the Grand Cypress Golf Club in Orlando, Florida.
Julieta Granada came in second place as the grand event was finished early due to darkness. By the way the players were dressed with ear muffs and jackets; it was evident how chilly the weather was. Not many players could complete in the opening round since
play was stopped early due to darkness.
The co-leader of the day played very assertively and was happy with her performance. "I just tried to make par, every hole, because as you know, the fairways, the rough are longer and thicker," said Yang, adding, "and the greens are fast and very slopey.
I just try to play safely."
The other leader was plainly content with the round as well. Leta Lindley, who posted a 2-under par 70, said that the weather change was very upsetting for some. She said that it was very chilly early in the morning and very dark as well. She said that just
by hearing the roaring the winds, she could guess that it wasn’t going to be an easy day. As for her performance in the opening round, she said that she only wished to keep her ball in the play. Wanting to hit as many greens and fairways, she was hoping to
stay away from the bogeys.
Another player,Tania Elosegui, was just delighted by her decent finish in the first round. She said that the course seemed even tougher due to the wind and the cold. Since she managed to make a good score of 2-under 70, Elosegui who will turn 29 on December
13th is happy.
Another golfing legend, Laura Davies wore pants, something that is rare since she is always seen in shorts. The 47 year old, seeing how she has 75 wins all across the globe, is only short of one major win to secure her way into the LPGA Hall of fame.
The players who were in the spotlight, failed to impress the crowd in the first round unfortunately. Na Yeon Choi and Jiyai Shin who are competing to be the first South Koreans to win the tour’s player of the year award, got off to a slow start. Shin posted
a 5-over-77 whereas Choi finished with a 73.
Cristie Kerr, who has the second highest average score for the Vare Trophy, carded a 71 and is tied for eighth place with South Koreans Eun-Hee Ji and Song-Hee Kim. The American Kerr was not really affected by the cold weather and said that it was very puzzling
around the greens. She said that during a round, one gets good and bad shots as well.
Another contender for the Rolex award, Japanese Ai Miyazato posted a disappointing 8-over 80 where as Vicky Hurst and Stacy Lewis both had 78’s. Yani Tseng, who is currently leading the Rolex player of the list with 188 points, carded a 75. The American
Christina Kim also finished at 75.
As for other players, Julie Inkster posted an even par 72 whereas Angela Stanford, Suzann Pettersen, Morgan Pressel and In-Kyung Kim all carded a 73.
Even though the strongest leaders for the end of the year awards didn’t open so well, there is no saying what they can achieve in the coming days. The race for the player of the year, Vare Trophy and also leading the money list will heat up as the tournament
proceeds. All the ladies who couldn’t play yesterday due to the conditions will tee off early Friday morning. All the players are hoping for pleasant weather as the second round starts tees off today in Florida.
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