Sydnee Michaels off to a slow start at Capital Hills
American Sydnee Michaels, who is defending her title at the Union Credit Challenge 2012, could not impress her fans in the opening round of the tournament, at Capital Hills, Albany, as she posted a 69 to tie for the 25th spot on the leaderboard.
Michaels is being regarded as the strongest contender in the roster of the Credit Union Challenge 2012, as she knows the field and course well. However, she could not do better than expectations.
The field, which is featuring plenty of competent stars, is strong enough to make players want to put their best feet forward. Key contenders include Jessi Gebhardt of the United States, Danielle Mills, Sue Kim, Katie Burnett, Olivia Jordan-Higgins, Calle
Nielson, Misun Cho, Cara Freeman, Rachel Connor, Emma Jandel, Brianna Do, Tzu-Chi Lin, Laura Martin, Joy Trotter, Allison Duncan, Abby Bools and Erica Moston.
Despite a strong roster, Michaels took most of the attention, as she not only won the last edition of the Credit Union Challenge, formerly Price Chopper Tour Championship, but she has also honed her skills due to playing on a bigger stage—the LPGA (Ladies
Professional Golf Association) Tour.
Commentators said that the players who have emerged as the star performers at the end of the first round, are eyeing the LPGA Tour card, as winning the event is only way to make it to the next level.
Most of the contenders standing inside the top 10 were not considered as hot favourite for the coveted title, yet they displayed a better-than-expected performance on the first day.
Michaels kicked off the round with plenty of confidence, as she looked determined to defend her title. She parred the first two holes and drained a birdie on the third hole. However, she faltered a little on the fifth hole as she could not judge the ball
and ended up carding a bogey.
On the back nine, she improved her game to some extent as she recorded three birdies and one bogey. She reeled off a birdie on the difficult par-3 18th hole, cheering the spectators on the course.
Before starting her round, the American golfer vowed that she would repeat her last-year performance. However, analysts said the LPGA star can bounce back in the second and third round.
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