Ko in five-way tie at the top, Jutanugarn sisters three behind
>> SAN FRANCISCO: Former world No.1 Lydia Ko, seeking her first win since 2016, fired a four-under par 68 on Thursday to head a group of five players sharing the first round lead in the LPGA Mediheal Championship.
On the same Lake Merced Golf Club course where she won in 2014 and 2015, New Zealand’s Ko carded an eagle and three birdies with just one bogey.
“Wind is probably the biggest factor on this golf course,” said Ko, who celebrated her 21st birthday on Tuesday. “It’s a golf course where nobody goes super low, so you just have to keep continuing to play solid and be patient out there and sometimes par is not a bad score.”
Patience was at even more of a premium in the chilly, windy weather, with afternoon starters getting the worst of the gusts.
Four of the five leaders played in the morning wave — Ko, Sweden’s Caroline Hedwall, South Korean Kim In-Kyung and American Jessica Korda.
Australia’s Su Oh joined them late, and was the only player in the group without a bogey on the day.
England’s Charley Hull, South Korean Kim Sei-Young, France’s Celine Herbin and American Lexi Thompson were a stroke back on 69.
Moriya Jutanugarn, who won her maiden LPGA Tour title in Los Angeles on Sunday, started off with a oneunder 71 as did her younger sister Ariya. The Thais shared 23th place with 14 other players.