CHINA’S FENG LEADS EARLY IN WOMEN’S OPEN
Shanshan Feng had her best round in the U.S. Women’s Open — and the firstround lead.
Afternoon rain and lightning forced officials to suspend play for more than two hours Thursday in the biggest event in women’s golf, and play was stopped because of darkness with 39 players still on the course. They will return early Friday to complete the round at Trump National Golf Course.
The golf was excellent and Feng was outstanding, shooting a 6-under 66 in a tournament in which she has rarely played well in her 10 seasons as a professional in the United States. It marked the first time the 27-year-old from China broke 70 in 42 Open rounds.
Mize shoots 64 in Seniors.
OWINGS MILLS, MD.» Larry Mize birdied half the holes and shot an 8-under 64 for a one-stroke lead after the opening round of the Senior Players Championship.
Seeking his second win on the PGA Tour Champions, the 58-year-old Mize was 5-under after the front nine.
Ilonen leads Scottish Open ahead of Fowler.
IRVINE, SCOTLAND» Mikko Ilonen fired a 65 to take a two-shot lead after the first found at the Scottish Open. Rickie Fowler was in a group of six players at five under, alongside American Paul Peterson, three-time Major Championship winner Padraig Harrington, English duo Ian Poulter and Callum Shinkwin, and Australian Andrew Dodt.
Howell, Schniederjans shoot 63 to share lead.
SILVIS, ILL.» Charles Howell III and Ollie Schniederjans each shot an 8-under 63 in perfect morning conditions to share the firstround lead in the John Deere Classic.
Howell birdied seven of his first nine holes and added a birdie on No. 7 at rainsoftened TPC Deere Run.
Four at 66 in Colo. Open qualifier.
WESTMINSTER» University of Colorado alum Justin Bardgett of St. Louis and Denver native Ethan Castle tied two other players by posting a 5-under 66 at Legacy Ridge Golf Course to take medalist honors in qualifier No. 3 for the CoBank Colorado Open.
Joining Bardgett and Castle are Jason Holley of Englewood and Cole Howard of Burleson, Texas. All four players made six birdies and one bogey during their sizzling rounds.