Jutanugarn Gunning For First Win and More from Evian

JUTANUGARN GUNNING FOR FIRST LPGA WIN

A familiar refrain keeps repeating on the LPGA Tour – soon, Moriya Jutanugarn will win a tournament. A first-round 65 on Friday put the young Thai player in prime position to claim not only her first LPGA title, but her first major.

“These major events, the keys are fairways and greens this week,” said Jutanugarn, who has eight top-10 finishes so far in 2017. “Just trying to give myself a chance for birdie. It looks like it’s plenty of good chances out there today. I rolled the ball very good, and just trying to keep going and like see a good shot and just relax on the golf course.”

Should Jutanugarn take the victory, she would become the 34th player in LPGA history to earn her first victory at a major. It would also be the third time this season, joining Danielle Kang (KPMG Women’s PGA Championship) and Sung Hyun Park (U.S. Women’s Open Championship). No season has ever had more than two first-time winners at major championships. 

NORDQVIST NOT 100%, BUT STILL PLAYING WELL

Anna Nordqvist was sidelined for much of July and August with a particularly nasty bout with mononucleosis. Finally feeling mostly healthy, though still not 100%, Nordqvist returned a first-round 66 and sits three back of leader Sung Hyun Park.

“I was obviously hoping that it was going to be short, but it definitely has been a little bit of a process, longer than expected,” said Nordqvist of her recovery. “But it’s been two and a half months now, and I still – I’m getting a lot better, so that’s all I’m trying to focus on now, and hopefully in a few more weeks, I’ll be fully recovered.” 

Nordqvist already has one major title to her name, coming at the 2009 McDonald’s LPGA Championship. Another one here at Evian would be particularly sweet, given the challenges the Swede has faced this summer. 

“I haven’t played much the last couple months, so definitely feel like I need some more tournament play, but obviously excited to put up a good number today,” she said.

MIYAZATO MAKING MOVES IN FINAL EVENT

Ai Miyazato shot a 3-under 68 in the first round of the last event in her LPGA career on Friday, her best 18 holes at The Evian Championship since shooting the same score in the second round in 2013. 

As a courtesy, the former World No. 1 and nine-time LPGA winner was given the freedom to pick who she wanted to play with in the first two rounds. She decided on Yani Tseng and Paula Creamer, although the choice wasn’t an easy one for one of the most well-liked players on Tour.

“It took a while to make a decision,” Miyazato said. “It was like last minute that I kind of made a decision. I’m like, Yani and Paula. It was hard to pick someone.”

Creamer was forced to withdraw on Friday due to a wrist injury, so it will be Ai and Yani in a twosome in Saturday’s second round in the 12:47 p.m. group off of the first tee. While Creamer was devastated to withdraw with a nagging wrist injury, she plans to stick around to honor her friend when she walks to the 18th green for the final time.

“I wanted to be there for her, and who knows, I’ll definitely be out there on the green when she finishes tomorrow, that’s for sure, and hopefully on Sunday,” said Creamer.

GIRLS GOLF ALUM SCHUBERT LOVING HER TIME AT EVIAN

What a summer it has been for amateur Sophia Schubert. The 21-year-old from Oak Ridge, Tenn., captured the U.S. Women’s Amateur title earlier this summer, sending the incoming University of Texas senior on the whirlwind golf trip of a lifetime. By virtue of her victory, she received exemptions into four major championships, the first coming this week at The Evian Championship. 

“It’s been amazing,” said Schubert, who had never left the United States prior to this trip to Frances. “Just coming here for the first time and seeing everything, it’s beautiful here, and the golf is great, the course is in great condition. Just to see everyone out here and meeting people, it’s been a great experience.”

Schubert is a proud alumna of the LPGA-USGA Girls Golf program, specializes in providing girl-friendly environments for juniors to learn the game of golf. She looks back to those experiences as what pushed her to where she is today.

“Just having a bunch of different girls to play with and people teaching us was awesome,” said Schubert. “I remember we got to go to a couple LPGA events and see these women play, and that definitely inspired me.” 

QUOTABLE

“No, it actually doesn’t. You know, 12 years ago until now, I did everything I could, so I don’t have any regrets. Like I said, I’m just having joy of my game right now. I’m ready.”

Ai Miyazato, on if it feels strange to be playing in her last event