Lexi Thompson had the round of the day and sits atop the leaderboard at the Kingsmill Championship Presented by JTBC after the first round. Thompson carded a 6-under 65 on Thursday to take a one-stroke lead over fellow Americans Gerina Piller, Brittany Lincicome and Angel Yin, taking advantage of the ideal condition in the morning on the River Course at Kingsmill Resort.
Thompson started on the back nine and admitted to getting off to a slow start, sitting even at the turn, but with a birdie on No. 1 (her 10th hole), it all started to come together, with six birdies in seven holes.
“The second nine was pretty crazy,” said Thompson. “I hit some great shots and rolled a few good putts, so definitely helps out my confidence.”
This course fits Thompson’s game well, and she’s off to a solid start in Williamsburg.
“It’s just a tournament that I love to come back to. That always helps out, coming into the tournament that you want to play well in and you always look forward to coming to this venue, it helps out with the positive attitude,” explained Thompson. “But I get to hit a lot of drivers and 3-woods which helps out a lot. It's a ball-striking golf course.”
Being atop the leaderboard heading into Friday doesn’t change Thompson’s approach for round two, she’ll go out with the same attitude and will focus on her game, sticking to the same routine and hope to play as well on day two.
Piller, Lincicome, and Yin each took advantage of the stellar morning conditions and cruised to a 5-under par today to sit one back of the leader.
Piller admits the course suits her eye and to having a “good all-around day.” She said she hit some fairways, some greens, and made some longer putts.
“It's always good to get off to that kind of start and get comfortable,” said Piller. “The greens are rolling phenomenal. The course is in the best shape I've ever seen it. Just happy to be under par and looking forward to tomorrow.”
Lincicome attributes several factors to her success today; course conditions, putting and ball striking.
“You know, a little bit of everything. Didn't feel like I was driving it very well, but made a couple really good putts and my iron shots were really good,” said Lincicome. “You know, I kept in in play, which was nice. But if I can keep three more rounds like that, I would be very happy.”
Yin carded a 5-under, 66, which included six birdies and a bogey on the par 4 No. 8.
“I feel great. It’s a solid first round,” said Yin. “Made a lot of great up and downs on the front nine. I wasn’t hitting that many greens, but I was making those putts.”
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