Ko shares Phoenix lead
New Zealand’s Lydia Ko shares the lead after the first round of the LPGA Tour’s JTBC Founders Cup in Phoenix, Arizona.
The World No 1 carded her 21st consecutive sub-par round, a six-under par 66, and is joined at the top by Americans Kim Kaufman and Tiffany Joh, and Germany’s Sophia Popov.
The trio are a shot clear of Thailand’s Moriya Jutanugarn, Korea’s In Gee Chun and Dewi Claire Schreefel of the Netherlands.
Schreefel was five-under through 10 holes when bad light suspended play with half the players yet to complete the first round, a knock-on effect of a four-hour delay in the morning.
“I woke up at 4.50am and I got to the tee and it had been seven hours since I woke up,” Ko, 17, said of the delay.
“I had a little nap after the first delay, and then had a second breakfast in the second delay. It’s going to be an early night tonight.”
Ko had seven birdies and a bogey to make a strong start, just a fortnight out from the year’s first major.
She went into the tournament off back-to-back victories in the Australian and New Zealand Opens before having to settle for second behind world No 2 Inbee Park in Singapore a fortnight ago.
She leads the tour’s Race to the CME Globe standings and money list early in the season.
Latest
-
European Tour‘Is this where I am going to die?’ Nicolas Colsaerts on kidney disorder battle
The Belgian is the focus of attention this week as he belatedly defends the Cazoo Open de France title he won three years ago.
-
Ryder CupOn this day in 2008: Ryder Cup misery in Louisville for Nick Faldo’s Europe team
Faldo was heavily criticised for his tactics in the closing singles.
-
LIV GolfOpen champion Cameron Smith wins first LIV trophy in just second start
The world number two is the highest-ranked player to join the rebel series.
-
European TourRobert MacIntyre beats Matt Fitzpatrick in play-off to win Italian Open
MacIntyre birdied the first extra hole at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club, the venue for next year’s Ryder Cup.
-
European TourMatt Fitzpatrick holds narrow lead ahead of final round at Italian Open
Rory McIlroy and Aaron Rai are one shot off the pace.
-
European TourRory McIlroy picks up the pace to claim lead ahead of Matt Fitzpatrick in Rome
McIlroy’s group looked unlikely to complete their second rounds after taking three hours to play nine holes.
-
NewsMatt Fitzpatrick leads way at Italian Open despite ‘inconsistent’ display
The US Open champion held a one-shot lead over fellow Englishman Tom Lewis,
-
European TourRory McIlroy rues a late night until eagle gets him flying in Italian Open
The four-time major winner was only a shot behind leader Matt Fitzpatrick after the first round of the Rome event.
-
European TourRory McIlroy begins Italian Open with superb 67 after recovering from slow start
He kick-started his round by holing out from 115 yards for an eagle on the par-four third.
-
European TourShane Lowry: Golf risks alienating fans with disgusting amount of money involved
The BMW PGA Championship winner insists he was never tempted to join LIV Golf.