There was a soft smile on Perrine Delacour’s face after her opening-round 3-under 60 on Thursday. Yes, the Frenchwoman sits just one stroke off the lead, looking for her first LPGA Tour victory. But she is playing for more than just herself this week. Joel Mirbey, the husband of a dear friend in her U.S. base of Orlando, is in the final stages of a battle with cancer, and she dedicated this week’s performance to his honor.
“He got diagnosed with pancreas cancer six months ago, and now he's in bed waiting to pass away unfortunately,” said Delacour. “So it's a tough week. (When) I left home he wasn't doing great, so I play for him all week and I'm thinking about him every shot.”
Delacour put together a round that would make Mirbey proud, fighting off a double bogey on No. 4 with six birdies and just one bogey on Thursday.