Two-time LPGA winner Morgan Pressel took the first-round lead on Friday at the ShopRite LPGA Classic Presented by Acer with a 5-under 66 on the Bay Course at Stockton Seaview Hotel & Golf Club. The major champ leads a group of five players by one shot. Pressel had five birdies, two bogey and an eagle on the day and finished birdie-eagle to get to five-under par. She felt like she had some unforced errors but was thankful for her strong finish.
“I really didn't put myself in a whole lot of trouble,” said Pressel. “I wouldn't say that I certainly had the best game out there. I felt like I made a few mistakes. And I didn't play all that well, but then I came down birdieing 8 and eagling the last hole. That definitely helps.”
Pressel’s bogeys came on No. 14, her fifth hole of the day and No. 6 and followed both up with birdies two holes after each dropped shot.
“And I only made two bogeys today,” said Pressel. “I mean they weren't great bogeys by any means. I shouldn't have really made them, but hopefully tomorrow I can eliminate those kinds of mistakes and can keep giving myself opportunities for birdie.”
The group of pursuers who sit one shot back at 4-under par include major champ Anna Nordqvist, Americans Sydnee Michaels and Ryann O’Toole, Alena Sharp of Canada and 2015 rookie Min Lee.
Defending champion Stacy Lewis eagled her final hole on No. 9 to get to 1-over par for the day and is in a tie for 56th. Rolex Rankings No. 2 Inbee shot even-par 71 and is tied for 40th. In her first event back after withdrawing from the Kingsmill Championship two weeks ago, Michelle Wie is tied for 95th, finishing with a 3-over 74.
Other News and Videos from ShopRite LPGA Classic:
Interview with First Round Leader Morgan Pressel - VIDEO
News and Notes: Rd. 1 ShopRite LPGA Classic
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