Credit Union
Challenge: Jessi Gebhardt stands outside top 50 in first round
American Jessi Gebhardt, who came close to winning a title at the
Credit Union
Challenge last year, got off to a sluggish start at the ongoing edition of the tournament as she carded a 71 to tie for the 51st position
on the leaderboard.
Gebhardt must be regretting lousy play on Friday, as she was not expected to miss out on easy chances. Lesser-known players, who appear too keen to win the LPGA (Ladies Professional Golf Association) Tour card
by clinching a victory at Capital Hills, are proving tough and resilient, given the stats for the round.
Gebhardt started the round in an amazing style as she shot a birdie on the first hole. The American star then missed out on plenty of good opportunities as she could not hit right where she was supposed to.
Consequently, she parred eight holes in a row.
On the back nine, she tried to bounce back and improve her game, but two bogeys on the 11th and 13th took a toll on her overall position on the leaderboard. She played a little more sensibly
on the par-5 10th hole, as she reeled off her second birdie.
Commentators said that Bellingham native was confident to make a good start, but she appeared be under pressure. They said if the star golfer had not made too many mistakes on the front nine, she would have
posted a much better score.
Commentators also pointed out that the next rounds will not be easy for the American golfer, as most of the players standing in the top 10, have posted better scores and this is what will make the underperformers
struggle to consolidate their positions on the leaderboard.
Gebhardt displayed a stellar performance in the last edition of the tournament, formerly Price Chopper Tour Championship, as she came close to defeating her nearest rival Sydnee Michaels.
South Korean Misun Cho fired an explosive 64 in the opening round to gain an early lead against all the contenders in the roster. Cho played a natural game and fended off her nearest rivals to surge ahead.
Analysts said that the next rounds will be even tougher, as contenders have scored well in the opening round. They said that most of the players will want to keep their momentum going on the second day, putting
pressure on players like Michaels and Gebhardt.
Tags: