Ochoa leads as Wie pulls out

Lorena Ochoa grabbed the first round lead at the LPGA Tour Championship in Texas where Michelle Wie withdrew with injury.
Early morning starter Lorena Ochoa took advantage of the best conditions of the day to claim a one-stroke lead in the first round of the season-closing LPGA Tour Championship in Texas.
The world number one, on course for her fourth consecutive player-of-the-year award, fired a first-round 66 to sit at six under par, one stroke clear of second-placed Reilley Rankin, before high winds made life difficult for the later starters.
“I think we were lucky maybe getting six, seven holes with not much wind in the morning,” Ochoa told the media afterwards.
“It’s playing tough. I think if you don’t hit a lot of greens it could be especially tough, because the grass is not easy around the greens.
“Tomorrow is a new start, and I’m gonna play like I’m a few shots behind and continue being aggressive to give myself chances to win on Sunday.”
Taylor Leon was third on four under ahead of a group of five players a further stroke behind.
Michelle Wie, who claimed her first professional tournament victory last week, withdrew from the tournament with an ankle injury after finishing the day level.
“I wanted to do everything I could do to fight through the injury,” Wie said in a statement.
“It bothered me last week in Mexico, but I was able to play through the pain, but
I realised today that I wouldn’t be able to continue to play through it.”
Play finished early as darkness closed in, but none of the players whose rounds were curtailed was in contention for the lead.
Latest
-
PGA Tour
Injury rules Open champion Cameron Smith out of BMW Championship
The Australian world number two currently sits third in the FedEx Cup standings, 1,132 points behind leader Will Zalatoris.
-
PGA Tour
Will Zalatoris triumphs in dramatic playoff to claim first PGA Tour win
The American defeated Austria’s Sepp Straka in three extra holes at TPC Southwind – despite not making a birdie.
-
News
Ewen Ferguson seals wire-to-wire victory at ISPS Handa World Invitational
The 26-year-old Scot also won the Qatar Masters in March.
-
Ryder Cup
New Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald motivated by ‘bitter’ memories of 2021 defeat
Stenson was stripped of the role for breaking his contract by joining the Saudi-backed LIV Golf series.
-
Ryder Cup
The task facing Luke Donald after replacing Henrik Stenson
Stenson was appointed on March 15 and said he was fully committed to a role before signing with the Saudi-backed LIV Golf series.
-
Ryder Cup
Luke Donald named Europe’s Ryder Cup captain
Donald replaces Henrik Stenson after he was stripped of the role.
-
PGA Tour
Tony Finau claims second straight PGA Tour victory
The American won the 3M Open in his previous outing.
-
News
Henrik Stenson cushions Ryder Cup blow with £3.6m debut win in LIV Golf
The Swede was stripped of his role as Europe captain after joining the Saudi-backed breakaway tour.
-
News
Former Masters champion Bubba Watson becomes latest player to join LIV Golf
The left-hander is currently sidelined by a knee injury and is not expected to play until next season,
-
Ryder Cup
Luke Donald tipped to replace Henrik Stenson as Europe’s Ryder Cup captain
The Swede lost the job 127 days after his appointment following his decision to join the LIV Golf series.