Defending champion Hjorth stands tied for 36th at Crossings Course
The defending champion Maria Hjorth posted a one-under 71 in the first round of the Mobile Bay LPGA Classic, standing tied for 36th.
Hjorth, the Swedish star, kicked off the opening round in an unimpressive style, as she bogeyed the very first hole.
Hjorth recorded four birdies and three bogeys. Despite performing well in the 2011 edition, she appeared to be in a much more difficult situation, as she missed several good chances to score under par.
She was stunning in the final round of the tournament, formerly known as Avnet LPGA Classic, as she posted a 5-under 67 to grab the top spot. She surged past Song-Hee Kim and Lexi Thompson.
However, this year, Hjorth seems to have lost her charisma. It appears as though she has forgotten how to make calculated putts.
The 38-year-old, who is quite appreciative of her husband’s role in her game, said in one of her interviews that she was greatly assisted by him.
Shaun McBride, Hjorth’s husband, assumed the role of her bagman in the Avnet LPGA Classic in the 2011 season. Hjorth said that she knows that her victory was possible because of McBride.
She said that he is not only a good caddie, but also an experienced mentor.
At Crossings Course on Thursday, the veteran star disappointed her fans when she shot her second bogey on the par-4 3rd hole. She seemed to pick up her pace when she recorded her first birdie on the par-5 4th.
After parring the 6th hole, she went for a big shot, scoring the second birdie of the round. On the back nine, she played with the same momentum.
She made the third bogey of the round on the 11th. She birdied the 12th and 16th in a bid to improve her position on the position.
Lindsey Wright of Australia, Jennifer Rosales, Caroline Hedwall and Katie Futcher shared the first round lead, as they registered a 67 each.
Speaking at the end of the day, Filipino Rosales said that the course offered plenty of challenges to her, but overall, she held her nerve.
“The yardages were pretty good today, I didn't have any in‑between clubs, so I was just hitting it. And the putting was really working for me today,” Rosales said.
Tags: