Birdie binge puts Thompson on top
WASHINGTON: American Lexi Thompson fired a six-under 65 to grab a one-stroke lead after the opening round of the US LPGA Tour’s Kingsmill Championship at Williamsburg, Virginia.
The 22-year-old US star made a run of five birdies in a row on her second nine of the day to stand one stroke ahead of three compatriots – Gerina Piller, Brittany Lincicome and Angel Yin.
“The second nine was pretty crazy,” said Thompson, who arrived on the first tee for Wednesday’s pro-am by parachuting out of an airplane.
“I hit some great shots and rolled a few good putts, so (it) definitely helps out my confidence.”
South Korean-born New Zealander Lydia Ko, trying to hang onto the world No. 1 ranking, shared fifth on 67 with Australia’s Sarah Jane Smith and Italy’s Giulia Molinaro.
Thompson, who started on the back nine, birdied the par-four 11th and made her lone bogey of the round at the par-three 17th.
She answered with a birdie on the first hole, her second nine of the round, then ran off her birdie binge starting at the par-five third and ending at the par-five seventh.
Thompson hit 17 of 18 greens in regulation. She only missed hitting the green on No. 12.
Thompson is playing in her third tournament since losing a playoff in the ANA Inspiration for being penalised four strokes for a rules violation spotted by a person watching the tournament on television.
Ko posted five birdies and one bogey in the opening round.
“Obviously, that’s a really good start to the week,” Ko said. “I am just going to try and give myself as many opportunities and I can. I don’t think I was hitting the ball fantastic, so there is a little bit of improvement to do there.”