Leishman sizzles with 61 on new course for Nelson

By The Associated Press

Marc Leishman shot a 10-under 61 on the new links-style Trinity Forest course to take the firstround lead Thursday in the AT&T Byron Nelson.

Jordan Spieth was eight shots back in his hometown event, which returned to Dallas after 35 years at the TPC Four Seasons in suburban Irving. Defending champion Billy Horschel shot 68.

Leishman opened with an eagle, started the back nine with three consecutive birdies and reached 9 under with another eagle at the 14th.

The 34-year-old Australian, a three-time PGA Tour winner, had chances to go lower but settled for a 10-foot birdie putt at the par-3 17th for the lowest round of his PGA Tour career.

He was a stroke shy of the Nelson record.

J.J. Spaun and Texan Jimmy Walker shot 64. Spaun had six birdies in a span of seven holes for a 30 on his second nine — the front nine on the undulating layout that has no trees or water hazards and is located a few miles south of downtown Dallas.

LPGA

Annie Park turned a blistering stretch on the back nine into a mistake-free 6-under 65 and a share of the first-round lead on a crowded leader board at the Kingsmill Championship in Williamsburg, Va. Jessica Korda, Azahara Munoz, In Gee Chun and Jaye Marie Green also shot 65.

Park, Korda and Munoz played morning rounds in mild conditions, while Chun and Green played in rain that is expected to also be a factor Friday and Saturday on the resort’s already-soggy River Course.

Park, playing in just her third tour event of the season and seeking her first career victory, was 2 under when she hit the flag and birdied the par 4 14th hole. She then nearly holed her second shot on the par-5 15th after hitting “an OK 3-wood” that left her with a short eagle putt, and also birdied the par-4 16th.

“Overall, I had a great day,” she said.

“I hit some good shots. Lucky enough, I had some short birdie putts, short eagle putt, and that helps.”