Salas leads, talks mental health
JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Lizette Salas was in her happy place Thursday, and not just because she kept bogeys off her card at tough Atlanta Athletic Club and posted a 5underpar 67 for a oneshot lead in the Women’s PGA Championship.
The COVID19 pandemic took its toll on the 31yearold Southern Californian, and she talked publicly for the first time about her struggle with mental health last year, which she said she took time to address.
“I really didn’t like myself in 2020, and I think with the whole COVID and not being able to work and have golf as my outlet, that really hit hard,” Salas said. “It was hard for me to even speak about it just because I felt like other people are going through the same thing. Why do I need to feel sorry for myself ?
“Over time, it accumulated and got worse, and when I finally got out here, it was just … so bad that the golf couldn’t help.”
Salas led by one shot over Charley Hull of England. Jessica Korda and former U.S. Women’s Open champion Jeongeun Lee6 were in a group at 69.
Nelly Korda, who last week became the first twotime winner on this LPGA Tour season of parity, was at 70 along with a trio of major champions, including ANA Inspiration winner Patty Tavatanakit.
Seventime major champion Inbee Park shot 71. U.S. Women’s Open champion Yuka Saso and Lexi Thompson, whose backnine collapse at Olympic Club three weeks ago cost her the Women’s Open. Each shot 73.
Defending champion Sei Young Kim had a 76, while Michelle Wie West was at 77.