LPGA Tour: Brooke Henderson edges ahead at The ANNIKA after first round after shooting 62 | Golf News

An extended birdie putt on the final gap of her round put Brooke Henderson right into a one-shot lead following the opening day of The ANNIKA Driven By Gainbridge At Pelican; protection continues on Sky Sports Golf from 3pm on Friday

Brooke Henderson opened with an eight-under-par 62 to established a one-shot lead after the first round of The ANNIKA Driven By Gainbridge At Pelican.

The Canadian made an extended birdie putt on her ultimate gap, the par-three ninth, for a 29 on the entrance 9 to maneuver previous a bunch which included Jin Young Ko and Patty Tavatanakit.

Henderson gained the LPGA season opener in Florida and has not gained since, falling to No 13 within the ladies’s world rating and coming in at No 14 within the Race to CME Globe.

“Up until this year, ball-striking has definitely been a strength of mine, and hasn’t been as sharp as I would like the last couple months,” Henderson, who switched irons just lately and felt she was headed in the fitting route, mentioned.

“To hit all 18 greens is more what I used to be used to a little while ago. It feels amazing not to have to get up and down and give myself a lot of birdie opportunities.”

This is the final event for the highest 60 gamers to achieve the season-ending CME Group Tour Championship down the coast in Naples. That will not be a difficulty for Henderson or Ko, who’s No 5 on the power of two LPGA victories.

It is a distinct story for the others who have been at 63, nevertheless. Tavatanakit, a former main champion, is at No 61 and received off to the perfect begin.

“Obviously, I knew what I had to do,” Tavatanakit mentioned. “I’m pretty stressed, but at the same time, I feel like I did everything under my control.

“I did all the things with no regrets. I’m simply going to be out right here and know at the again of my thoughts that I did all the things I might.”

Emily Kristine Pedersen is at No 80 and Minami Katsu of Japan is at No 78, and they also shot 63. Katsu rallied late on a beautiful day at Pelican Golf Club, starting the back nine with five birdies in six holes to get near the top of the leaderboard.

Lexi Thompson, playing for the first time since missing the cut by three shots in Las Vegas on the PGA Tour, opened with a 64 and was in a five-way tie for sixth. She has gone more than four years without winning, and she’ll likely need to finish third or better to make it to the season finale in Naples.

Thompson started on the back nine, made the turn and ran off four birdies in five holes.

“I simply went into the day figuring out I needed to make birdies,” Thompson said. “It was excellent climate – possibly 5 miles per hour when it gusted – so very best climate for us.

“I knew I had to make birdies, but I just tried to stick to my game plan with my swing shots and fire at the pins and give myself as many birdie opportunities.”

Defending champion Nelly Korda opened with a 70, whereas Lydia Ko needed to accept a 67, and at No 101 within the Race to CME Globe, she seemingly must be alone in second to achieve the Tour Championship and defend her title.

Coverage of The ANNIKA Driven By Gainbridge At Pelican continues reside on Sky Sports Golf from 3pm and Sky Sports Main Event from 4.30pm on Friday. Also stream with NOW.

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