– Chanette Wannasaen (-9) is the first leader of the Kroger Queen City Championship, a tournament on the LPGA Tour being held at the TPC River’s Bend course in Ohio. The Thai golfer has signed the best round of her life on the American circuit to lead a tournament for the first time in her career. A great day for a player who has not yet won, but who has her playing rights secured for next year.
– Wannasaen has a two-shot lead over Gigi Stoll (-7), a player in a very different situation, in dire need of points to try to keep her card. Homework needs to be done quickly, as there are few scoring events left for those not making it into the exclusive Asian tour. Specifically, there are four tournaments left.
– Great start for Julia López (-5). A round of 67 strokes filled with successes. She achieved six birdies and an eagle against three bogeys. One of her best rounds of the year from the tee, which always translates in her case into many birdie opportunities. She only missed two fairways. Julia is not playing for the LPGA card, but to get into that Asian tour, as well as the circuit’s grand finale in Florida. She is on the right track. In her first round, she achieved a four-under-par between holes 4 and 8, with two birdies and an eagle. Very powerful.
– The downside on this first day was for her compatriot Azahara Muñoz (+1). She has made life difficult for herself to make the cut. She made three birdies and four bogeys and is at least three shots away from the cut line. After the first day, the cut is provisionally set at -2, but it is expected to improve today. In other words, Azahara needs a great round this Friday at TPC River’s Bend to play all four days.
– A handful of favourites have managed to position themselves very well in the standings after the first day. These include Nelly Korda (-5), Charley Hull (-4), Maja Stark (-4), and Celine Boutier (-4). Of course, we must also keep an eye on Sei Young Kim (-6), who has returned with great strength after her recent maternity.
