US Women’s Open 2012: Lizette Salas shoots 69 to share lead in the first round
Rookie Lizette Salas fired a stunning 69 in the first round of the US Women’s Open 2012, sharing a lead along with fellow Americans Brittany Lincicome and Cristie Kerr.
Salas kicked off the prestigious major tournament, being played at Blackwolf Run, Kohler, in an impressive style and displayed a better-than-expected game.
On the other hand, Lincicome and Kerr also shot a 69 each in the opening round to stand tied for the first position. Both the Americans looked in a great form and made solid strokes on most of the holes.
The weather conditions were not so good in the first round, as hot winds whipped through the course throughout the day. Sweltering heat hampered several players from showing their best skills on the course.
Despite tough weather conditions, the first-round leaders remained in high spirits and did not let their nerves derail them.
Speaking to the media about her performance, young Salas said that she is pretty happy after sharing the first-round lead with fellow Americans, and will try to live up to the expectations of her fans and family members in the next rounds.
The rising star said that she did not face any trouble making putts on the green, and she kept increasing her score with the help of sensible strokes.
“We just figured any putt on the green is a birdie putt," Salas said. "Down the stretch we had some good birdie opportunities and I took advantage of that last one".
Sharing how she came to golf and who helped her improve her game, the LPGA (Ladies Professional Golf Association) rookie said that her father played the most important role in introducing her to the sport.
She said that she never thought she would become a successful golfer, but it was her father who triggered her interest.
Salas’s father has been associated with a golf course where he works as the head mechanic.
"My dad still works long hours out on the golf course, my mom also. So this is just my way of repaying them for all their sacrifice," she said.
The first-round leader added, “He didn't have that much money to pay for lessons. They worked out a deal where my dad did handyman favors for them. That's how I got started. Just been swinging ever since”.
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