Nordqvist leads in Pattaya

Anna Nordqvist of Sweden carded a first round six-under-par 66 to take a one-shot lead in the LPGA Thailand event at Pattaya.
Nordqvist carded six birdies on the day and cancelled the two bogeys she made with an eagle on the 15th to ensure she kept her nose in front of the in-form Michelle Wie.
“I started with three birdies, so obviously got some momentum right off.
“On 15 I had 59 yards to the pin, pitched a little bit past, and then spun into the hole. So that was pretty cool to make an eagle there,” Nordqvist said after her round.
Wie heads an American contingent that features Lexi Thompson, Jennifer Johnson and Angela Stanford – all two shots off the pace.
It was not the best of days for defending champion and world number one Inbee Park, who carded a 71 to join a world No 3 Stacy Lewis, 2012 LPGA Championship winner Shanshan Feng of China and Australian Karrie Webb, among others, at one under par.
For Nordqvist, who recently made some changes in both coaching personnel and equipment, the solid start to the tournament is something she desperately needed.
“It felt like at one point last year I was about ready to quit the sport,” she said.
“I just kind of lost the reason why I play golf, the fun of it. I have good people around me now and they have been really helping me to get that inspiration back.”
Latest
-
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.
-
News
Max Homa: Tiger Woods now understands the respect he commands from his peers
Homa has made no secret of his admiration for Woods.
-
Ryder Cup
Bernard Gallacher fears Greg Norman is not the man for compromise with LIV Golf
Players who have resigned from the PGA Tour to join LIV Golf will not be eligible for next year’s Ryder Cup.
-
LPGA Tour
Brooke Henderson takes two-shot lead into final round of Evian Championship
South Korea’s Ryu So-yeon climbed into outright second place on 15 under.